#USA #Raleigh #Methane Emissions #cattle #Hoofprint Biome

Hoofprint Biome Raises $15 Million for Green Innovations in Cattle Farming

Hoofprint Biome, an innovative startup dedicated to reengineering the cattle microbiome, has successfully closed a $15 million Series A funding round. This round, which was spearheaded by SOSV, also saw contributions from notable investors like Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund, Breakthrough Energy Fellows, and Alexandria Venture Investments, among others. The backing from both new and existing investors underlines a growing interest in sustainable agricultural practices.

Changing the Game in Emissions Reduction

The core mission of Hoofprint Biome is to tackle the pressing issue of methane emissions related to cattle production. With approximately 10% of global annual emissions linked to beef and dairy cows, the company's approach is not just timely but critical in addressing climate change. According to Po Bronson, General Partner at SOSV, there has been a long-standing focus on chemical and drug treatments to mitigate methane outputs in cattle, but Hoofprint offers a fresh perspective that seeks answers in the cow’s very own digestive system.

Scott Collins, the company’s Chief Scientific Officer, emphasizes that nature has developed proteins over eons that effectively regulate microbial growth, which Hoofprint is poised to harness. Artificial intelligence and biotechnology advancements allow the company to optimize these natural proteins, making them commercially viable for farmers.

Innovative Solutions to Improve Feed Efficiency

In ruminant animals, certain microbes, known as methanogens, produce methane during digestion. Hoofprint’s development of an enzyme-based feed additive is designed to reduce this methane generation. As Kathryn Polkoff, CEO, explains, the enzymes not only target methane but also aim to enhance feed efficiency—resulting in benefits like increased milk production in dairy cows and weight gain in beef cattle.

By accelerating the delivery of these enzymes as feed additives, Hoofprint is preparing to influence industry practices significantly. Collaborations with farmers for on-farm trials are essential for fast-tracking this initiative towards market readiness.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

Nick Ellis from Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund highlights the dual priorities of reducing emissions while simultaneously fostering healthier animal populations. This partnership is critical as Hoofprint looks to commercialize its innovative feed additives over the coming years. Built on an economically viable and scalable fermentation process, these solutions are positioned for widespread adoption across the agriculture sector by capitalizing on the established use of enzymes in livestock nutrition.

Wayne McNee, CEO of AgriZeroNZ, reinforces the need for effective solutions that align with market demands for lower emissions without compromising productivity. With cattle being crucial for global food security, transforming their production while managing their environmental impact is essential.

As the battle against climate change intensifies, every effort to mitigate methane emissions matters. Hoofprint Biome represents a game-changing opportunity to enhance the sustainability of cattle farming, creating a win-win for the environment and the agricultural economy. Founded in 2023 by Scott Collins and Kathryn Polkoff, Hoofprint is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, where it is set to foster innovations that bridge biotechnology and animal science for the betterment of livestock production.

In conclusion, Hoofprint Biome is not just a startup but a symbol of hope in redefining sustainable practices in the cattle industry. With its focus on natural enzyme solutions and a strong backing from influential investors, it is well-positioned to lead the way in reducing the agricultural sector's carbon footprint while enhancing productivity.