By Jamie Martin
A new global research collaboration is aiming to reduce methane emissions in cattle by using artificial intelligence to better understand the relationship between diet, microbiomes, and animal performance. BiomEdit, together with Bioversity International USA and Yale University, has received nearly $2 million in support from the Bezos Earth Fund’s AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge. Their work will create the Rumen Digital Twin, a model designed to recommend targeted livestock management strategies that lower emissions while supporting productivity.
The project involves training a generative AI system using data from more than 20,000 ruminant animals across over 25 countries. This includes regions in the Global South, where livestock farming is essential for food security. The dataset will link more than 10,000 microbiome profiles to methane output, nutrition, animal genetics, and performance indicators. With this information, researchers hope to identify the specific conditions where methane-reducing feed additives or health interventions work best.
Instead of relying on long research trials, producers may soon test interventions virtually. By predicting outcomes before applying changes on-farm, the approach may help reduce methane emissions by up to 75% compared to broad, untargeted strategies.
"This project reflects the power of the microbiome and the use of AI to reduce methane and improve productivity in livestock," said Aaron Schacht, CEO of BiomEdit. "With the generous support of the Bezos Earth Fund and in collaboration with Bioversity and Yale, we aim to develop a better understanding of targeted interventions and share that knowledge to positively affect both climate impact and animal well-being."
A free cloud-based platform will make the model available to non-profit and research organizations worldwide. Commercial groups will have licensing options, ensuring broad access while supporting innovation.
This effort builds on earlier work supported by a $4.5 million Gates Foundation grant awarded to BiomEdit in 2023 to develop microbiome-based methane reduction solutions in Africa and South Asia. Together, these projects strengthen global momentum toward climate-smart livestock production.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
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