NEWS 104 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2025 New Zealand-based AgriZeroNZ and the Ag Emissions Centre are investing $4M and $2.5M respectively to ramp up efforts to develop at least one cost-effective methane inhibitor. The work, led by the AgResearch Group, a part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI), builds on foundational research co-funded by the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGgRc) and the Ag Emissions Centre. AgriZeroNZ had previously invested an additional $1M in 2023, while it explored the best way to support acceleration of the work. As part of the agreement, the programme has been re-shaped with a stronger focus on commercialisation, and all related intellectual property has been transferred to AgriZeroNZ (from the PGgRc and the Ministry for Primary Industries). A strengthened collaboration with Zoetis also has the global animal health company poised to commercialise any breakthrough. Wayne McNee, AgriZeroNZ Chief Executive says the co-investment builds on the expertise and findings to date, to drive a fresh focus on delivering a practical solution for farmers. “Kiwi farmers are highly emissions efficient producers of milk and meat but we need to keep making progress to meet the global demand for lower emissions products from our export customers, and it’s critical we give farmers tools to do that.” Read more>> Beneo revealed the positive results of its technical trials that demonstrate its faba bean protein concentrate can be successfully used as an alternative to spray dried animal blood plasma (ABP) in wet pet food. The company highlights that the faba bean ingredient can be used for full or partial ABP replacement, with no significant change in the end product’s weight or texture, offering producers considerable cost savings compared to ABP. The results also show that faba bean offers better binding properties than pea protein concentrate when replacing ABP. Demand for wet pet food is on the rise, with the segment’s growth being driven by pet owners looking for premium and nutritionally balanced pet foods with good palatability. However, with a relatively high total moisture content of at least 50 wt%, the quality of premium and super-premium wet pet food is standardised and maintained through the addition of ABP. Although this ingredient has excellent texturising and emulsifying properties, these functional benefits can come at a high cost. Dr. Maygane Ronsmans, Product Manager Animal Nutrition at Beneo says, “With two in three pet owners considering plant-based proteins to be better for the environment, demand has grown for sustainable and locally sourced vegetal protein ingredients. As the technical trials show, Beneo’s faba bean protein concentrate offers pet food manufacturers a win-win scenario: Producers can decrease their recipe costs while benefitting from secure supply and meeting consumer expectations for more sustainable and plant-based pet foods, without impacting the quality of the end product. This is good news for the growing number of producers committing to clear environmental targets.” Read more>> Methane inhibitor development in New Zealand receives $6.5M funding New trials highlight faba bean protein for wet pet food Photo: Beneo Photo: AgriZeroNZ
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