AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee says this latest investment complements its diverse $61 million portfolio as part of its efforts to provide farmers with a range of affordable, effective mitigation solutions.

“We want to provide Kiwi farmers with a range of high-impact solutions to choose from to reduce their animals’ emissions and maintain their competitive edge on the global stage,” says McNee.

Bovotica researchers have identified microbes that naturally occur in the rumen (stomach) of low methane-emitting cattle. A probiotic containing these microbes would be given to cattle to divert energy from producing methane to boosting weight gain or milk production.

Established by Dr Andrew Leech and founders Professor Gene Tyson and Professor Phil Pope from Queensland University of Technology, Bovotica recently completed its seed funding round, with AgriZeroNZ being the lead investor.

McNee says the investment illustrates its commitment to giving New Zealand farmers access to the latest innovations from across the world, with investments in the U.S., Sweden, Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re scanning the world for tools and tech to help New Zealand farmers cut emissions, so they can meet the demands from our export customers and keep generating the premium they deserve for their grass-fed milk and meat,” says McNee.

“Bovotica has an exceptional team with a proven track record, working on cutting-edge science to help farmers reduce emissions while increasing efficiency and production. We’re excited about its potential and are pleased to help Bovotica take its science to the next level for Kiwi farmers.”

Bovotica’s chief executive, Dr Andrew Leech, says its probiotic aims to naturally modulate the microbes in cattle’s stomach to reduce methane emissions, while improving performance.

Dr Leech says they’re initially targeting a 50 per cent reduction in methane and a 5 per cent increase in production, with two solutions in development to cater for different farming systems.

“The first product we’re working on will be blended into feed, making it suitable for dairy cows in New Zealand who get fed a supplement. Our second phase of development is a long-acting oral drench, specially designed for grass-fed beef and dairy cattle.

“This support from AgriZeroNZ will help us get closer to making our product available to farmers, with animal trials set to take place in early 2026.”

McNee notes another benefit to the potential emissions-cutting tool is the ease with which it could be made available to New Zealand farmers.

“The probiotic blend is likely to have a streamlined pathway to get regulatory approval given the microbes are naturally present within the rumen of low methane-emitting animals.”

AgriZeroNZ’s investment in Bovotica is a welcome addition to its portfolio of investments which includes a methane-inhibiting bolus, vaccines, probiotics, feed additives and low-emissions pasture.