Canadian Startup Revives Coal Based Animal Feed
A Calgary-based startup, Cvictus, is changing how livestock is fed by creating an affordable, eco-friendly animal feed using coal. With a $1.7-million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Cvictus is working to scale up an old technology that transforms methanol into high-protein feed. This process, once used in the 1980s, was discontinued due to high methanol prices.
Today, Cvictus combines its new method of extracting gases from coal with support from Canadian universities. Working closely with researchers at the University of Alberta through Mitacs, the company has improved the fermentation process used to make feed.
Methanol, made from hydrogen extracted deep from coal seams, is used to grow bacteria, which is then dried into a powder. This powder becomes livestock feed, offering a smaller environmental footprint than traditional soybean or fish meals. Researchers have even doubled productivity compared to four decades ago.
Student researchers are testing this feed in animal trials and are working on recycling leftover water from the fermentation process to reduce waste. They describe the fermented product as toothpaste-like before it’s dried.
Cvictus believes this feed could replace global animal feed sources. Once it gains regulatory approval, it may help farms reduce costs and environmental harm.
“We have giant dreams and expectations for where this technology will go, but as a startup, we can’t feasibly employ the resources required to scale,” said Katrina Stewart, Cvictus Director, Biotechnology and Carbon Reduction. “Academic researchers provide the innovation, expertise and drive we need to help move the needle forward on this exciting technology.”
“Cvictus is a powerful example of how Canadian innovation fueled by research talent from our own universities can lead to smarter, more sustainable agricultural solutions,” said Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO of Mitacs. “We’re proud to help accelerate made-in-Canada solutions that directly benefit Canadians and strengthen our economy.”
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic