VIEWPOINT- Finding Low-Methane Cattle in a World Blaming Livestock for Climate Change
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Methane, a potent greenhouse gas 80 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, is released through cattle digestion, particularly via belching. With livestock responsible for approximately 14.5% of global human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, and cattle accounting for about 75% of ruminant methane output, the agricultural sector faces mounting pressure to adapt. In this context, a $27.4 million (R500 million) global project, partly funded by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Global Methane Hub, aims to identify and breed low-methane-emitting cattle, with South Africa playing a pivotal role. Meanwhile, billionaire Bill Gates has pushed for synthetic meat as a climate solution, raising questions about his motives given his investments in alternative protein companies.
The search for low-methane cattle, the controversy surrounding Gates’ synthetic meat advocacy, and the broader implications for sustainable agriculture.South Africa’s Role in Low-Methane Cattle Breeding
Launched in April 2025, the global initiative to breed low-methane cattle seeks to reduce emissions by 45% by 2040, potentially lowering global warming by 0.3°C. South Africa, a key collaborator, brings expertise through Prof. Michiel Scholtz of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the University of the Free State. Scholtz’s prior research on South African beef breeds, including Nguni, Bonsmara, and Angus, revealed varying methane intensities (kilograms of methane per kilogram of live weight). Surprisingly, smaller breeds like Nguni showed higher methane intensity due to larger herd sizes on simulated farms.
The project, involving over 100,000 animals worldwide, will use existing genetic traits to select low-methane cattle without altering farming practices, offering a cost-effective solution. Collaborators include research institutions in Kenya, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Benin, and the U.S.-based Delta G, ensuring region-specific approaches given the diversity of global production systems.
This initiative counters the narrative that cattle are inherently harmful by focusing on sustainable livestock solutions. Unlike synthetic meat, which requires significant energy and infrastructure, breeding low-methane cattle integrates with existing agricultural systems, preserving livelihoods in regions like South Africa, where livestock supports millions of jobs.
Bill Gates and the Synthetic Meat Controversy
Bill Gates has been a vocal advocate for reducing livestock emissions, famously stating in 2021 that rich nations should shift to “100% synthetic beef” to combat climate change.
Through Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Gates has invested heavily in plant-based meat companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, as well as startups like Rumin8, which develops seaweed-based feed additives to cut methane emissions by up to 80%. His 2023 investment of $12 million in Rumin8 highlights his dual approach: modifying cattle digestion and promoting lab-grown or plant-based alternatives. Gates argues that synthetic meat reduces methane, animal cruelty, and land use, citing its potential to be healthier and more sustainable.
However, Gates’ advocacy has sparked controversy. Critics, including livestock industry leaders, argue that his financial stakes in synthetic meat companies create a conflict of interest, as he stands to profit from a global shift away from traditional beef. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association notes that U.S. beef production accounts for only 2% of national emissions, far less than transportation or energy sectors, suggesting Gates’ focus on beef is disproportionate. Furthermore, synthetic meat’s scalability remains questionable; Gates himself acknowledged in 2021 that lab-grown meat, like that from Memphis Meats, may not be economical, and plant-based alternatives represent less than 1% of global meat consumption. Critics also highlight that synthetic meat production could require significant energy—potentially 22.9% of global energy consumption for large-scale adoption—raising doubts about its environmental benefits unless powered by decarbonized sources.
Additionally, Gates’ narrative overlooks the sustainability of regenerative farming. Practices like integrated herd management, where grazing optimizes soil health, can reduce emissions more effectively than industrial feedlots, which Gates often targets. In South Africa, where diverse production systems include extensive grazing, such practices could complement low-methane breeding efforts without eliminating traditional livestock farming.
Balancing Solutions: Low-Methane Cattle vs. Synthetic Meat
The push for low-methane cattle offers a practical alternative to synthetic meat, particularly for developing nations like South Africa, where livestock is a critical protein source and economic driver. The global project leverages natural genetic variation, avoiding the high costs and cultural disconnect of lab-grown meat, which may not resonate in regions where beef is tied to tradition and affordability. For instance, Gates’ suggestion that synthetic meat is viable for wealthy nations ignores the global demand for real beef, which rises with income in developing countries.
However, low-methane breeding is not without challenges. Methane intensity varies by breed and system, and scaling the initiative requires significant coordination across diverse agricultural contexts. South Africa’s research, for example, shows that local conditions cannot directly adopt findings from other regions, necessitating tailored solutions. Meanwhile, synthetic meat faces hurdles in taste, cost, and consumer acceptance, with critics arguing it lacks the nutritional and cultural value of beef.
A Path Forward
The focus on low-methane cattle represents a science-driven approach to sustainable agriculture, aligning with global climate goals while supporting farmers. South Africa’s involvement underscores its commitment to balancing environmental responsibility with economic needs. Conversely, Gates’ push for synthetic meat, while innovative, raises concerns about corporate influence and the marginalization of traditional farming. A balanced strategy—combining low-methane breeding, regenerative practices, and selective feed additives like seaweed—offers a more inclusive path than a wholesale shift to lab-grown alternatives. By prioritizing solutions that work for both developed and developing nations, the agricultural sector can address climate change without sacrificing food security or cultural heritage.
As real farmers who work and live in NATURE- we find it very hard to believe all these predictions and concerns- it seems like just another Global money making Scheme.
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