# Solving the cow burp problem

- Show: [Catalyst](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst)
- Published: 2024-01-26
- Length: 42m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem

## Summary

Charles Brooke, program manager for enteric methane at Spark Climate Solutions, explains that enteric fermentation from ruminants is a major source of global methane, with over 80% of emissions coming from small-holder pasture-raised animals rather than feedlots. He details current mitigation strategies, including feed additives like DSM’s Bovaer (3-NOP) and bromoform from Asparagopsis seaweed, which offer variable reductions, and emerging solutions such as vaccines from Kio Bio and selective breeding programs. Brooke highlights that while feed additives are effective, their daily administration limits them to intensive systems, whereas vaccines and breeding offer permanent, pasture-compatible reductions. The conversation concludes with the significant regulatory hurdles in the US, where these products face an 8-year approval process as new animal drugs, and the need for coordinated public education to avoid consumer backlash.

## Chapters

- [3:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem#t=186) Introduction: Charles Brooke and Spark Climate Solutions
- [3:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem#t=202) The mechanics of enteric methane and ruminant digestion
- [6:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem#t=360) Variability in methane production: Dairy vs. Beef and Feedlot vs. Pasture
- [8:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem#t=503) Global scale of enteric methane emissions and geographic distribution
- [14:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem#t=879) Historical context and efficiency arguments for reducing methane
- [17:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem#t=1044) Management changes and intensity arguments for small-holder farmers
- [22:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem#t=1358) Feed additives: Bovaer, 3-NOP, and Asparagopsis/bromoform efficacy
- [28:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem#t=1738) Vaccine development by Kio Bio and breeding for low-methane phenotypes
- [35:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem#t=2115) Market dynamics, carbon credits, and corporate insetting
- [37:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem#t=2264) Regulatory hurdles, new animal drug pathways, and public perception

## Topics

- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Spark Climate Solutions (company)
- DSM (company)
- Bovaer (product)
- Asparagopsis (product)
- Kio Bio (company)
- 3-NOP (product)
- bromoform (product)
- Energy Hub (company)
- Bloom Energy (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Turning Cow Burps into Clean Energy with Griffin Cherry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-07-02-turning-cow-burps-into-clean-energy-with-griffin-cherry) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [Using Methane-Eating Bacteria to Combat Climate Change: A Discussion with Josh Silverman, CEO at Windfall Bio](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2023-12-07-using-methane-eating-bacteria-to-combat-climate-change-a-discussion-with-josh-si) (Hardware to Save a Planet)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2024-01-26-solving-the-cow-burp-problem. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Catalyst.