A composition and method for reducing gas production

Abstract

The present invention relates broadly to reducing one or more greenhouse gases produced in agriculture. Particularly, the present invention relates to a composition for reducing gas production and / or increasing a measure of a production trait in a ruminant animal. The present composition comprises a halogenated alkanoic acid.

Description

TITLEA composition and method for reducing gas productionFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates broadly to reducing one or more greenhouse gases produced in agriculture. Particularly, the present invention relates to reducing one or more greenhouse gases produced by ruminant animals. Particularly, the present invention relates to reducing methane and / or carbon dioxide production in a ruminant animal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composition. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a composition for reducing gas production and / or increasing a measure of a production trait in a ruminant animal.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0003] There is growing interest in combatting global warming whilst also being environmentally sustainable. Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas that is found in natural ecosystems.

[0004] Methane is an effective solar infrared radiation absorber and contributes significantly to global warming. Accumulation of methane in the atmosphere is a significant issue and can arise from a number of different sources. Methane can be produced in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminant animals and the like.

[0005] The digestive tract of ruminant animals contains four major parts; the abomasum, rumen, omasum and reticulum. The food is first chewed and mixed with saliva. The chewed food passes to the rumen for breaking them into smallerparticles, and then it moves to the reticulum where the food is broken into further smaller particles.

[0006] Indigestible particles are sent back for rechewing and then again to rumen. A group of Archaea known collectively as methanogens in the rumen assist in the breakdown of cellulose in the rumen but these produce methane as a byproduct of their metabolism. The partially digested food then passes from the rumen to the omasum which, decreases the pH level and thus initiates the release of enzymes for further breaking down the food, which is later passed to the abomasum that absorbs the remaining nutrients before excretion.

[0007] Ruminant animals produce gas as a byproduct of anaerobic microbial fermentations of feed in the rumen. Furthermore, it is postulated that reducing the amount of gases (such as methane and carbon dioxide) produced can improve one or more production trait(s) of the ruminant animal. In this regard, it is envisaged that lost energy to gas production can be redirected towards one or more production trait(s).

[0008] Production traits are characteristics of animals, such as the quantity or quality of meat, fibre, growth rates, fertility, appetite stimulant and feed utilization that they (or their offspring) produce. This may contribute directly to the value of the animals for the farmer and are identifiable or measurable at the individual level.

[0009] One method of addressing the methane production of ruminant animals is the use of bromoform (either as a natural product in seaweed or as a synthetic product). However, issues associated with bromoform are that it is volatile which results in difficulty in delivering the appropriate dosage, that if the appropriate amount is delivered as a single dose then there is a spike followed by periods of effectively no bromoform, and the unpalatability of bromoform to an animal. Furthermore, there are toxicity issues associated with the overdosing of bromoform.

[0010] It would be advantageous to address one or more of the above issues and / or to provide the consumer with a commercial alternative to the presently available solutions.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a composition for increasing a measure of a production trait in a ruminant animal and / or reducing gas production in a ruminant animal, the composition comprising a halogenated alkanoic acid.

[0012] In an embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is a halogenated acetic acid. In one embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is a brominated alkanoic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is or comprises tribromoacetic acid.

[0013] In one embodiment, the gas is or comprises methane and / or carbon dioxide. In an embodiment, the gas is or comprises methane. In embodiments, the gas is or comprises carbon dioxide.

[0014] In one embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is present in the composition at at least about 0.001 %, at least about 0.005%, at least about 0.01 %, at least about 0.05%, at least about 0.10%, at least about 0.16%, at least about 0.5%, between about 0.01% and about 1%, between about 0.5% and about 1%, between about 0.1% and about 1%, between about 0.001% and about 0.15%, between about 0.005% and about 0.15%, between about 0.05% and about 0.5%, between about 0.05% and about 0.25%, between about 0.08% and about 0.2%, between about 0.08% and about 0.15%, between about 0.0.093% and about 0.139%, between about 0.16% and about 1%, between about 0.16% and about 0.75%, between about 0.1% and about 0.15%, or between about 0.15% and about 0.5% by weight of the composition. In an embodiment, the halogenated alkonoic acid is present in the composition at about 0.093% or about 0.139% by weight of the composition.

[0015] In an embodiment, the moisture content of the composition is less than about 5%, less than about 4%, less than about 3%, less than about 2%, less than about 1%, between about 0.1% and about 2%, or between about 1% and about 2%.

[0016] In one embodiment, the composition further comprises a coating and / or additive adapted to coat the halogenated alkanoic acid. In an embodiment, the coating and / or additive is or comprises wax and / or oil.

[0017] In one embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more of the following additional components: urea, molasses, salt (NaCI), zeolite, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, monodicalcium phosphate (MDCP) or monocalcium phosphate (MCP), copper, cobalt, zinc, selenium and sulphur.

[0018] In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a block. In an embodiment, the block is a supplement block, a salt block, a mineral block, a molasses block, a urea block, a trace element block, a phosphorus block and / or a sulphur block. In one embodiment, the block is a dry-pressed block.

[0019] In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a urea block. In an embodiment, the composition further comprises urea, molasses, salt, zeolite, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron.

[0020] In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a phosphorus block. In an embodiment, the composition further comprises molasses, salt, MDCP, calcium, phosphorus, copper, cobalt, zinc and selenium.

[0021] In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a sulphur block. In an embodiment, the composition further comprises molasses, salt, zeolite and sulphur.

[0022] In an embodiment, the composition is in the form of a feed additive adapted to be added to feed. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a drink additive adapted to be added to water.

[0023] In an embodiment, the composition for use in increasing a measure of a production trait in a ruminant animal. In a certain embodiment, the composition for use in reducing gas emission in a ruminant animal. In a particular embodiment,the composition for use in reducing methane emission in a ruminant animal. In certain embodiments, the composition for use in reducing carbon dioxide gas emission in a ruminant animal. In an embodiment, the composition when used in increasing a measure of a production trait in a ruminant animal. In a certain embodiment, the composition when used in reducing gas emission in a ruminant animal. In a particular embodiment, the composition when used in reducing methane emission in a ruminant animal. In certain embodiments, the composition when used in reducing carbon dioxide gas emission in a ruminant animal.

[0024] In one embodiment, the ruminant animal is or comprises bovines, goats, sheep, giraffes, deer, gazelles, and antelopes.

[0025] In a second aspect, the invention resides in a method for increasing a measure of a production trait and / or reducing gas emission in a ruminant animal including the steps of:administering an effective amount of a composition comprising a halogenated alkanoic acid to said ruminant animal;to thereby increase a measure of a production trait and / or reduce gas emission in the ruminant animal.

[0026] The composition and components / aspects thereof may be substantially as described hereinabove for the first aspect.

[0027] In an embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is present in the composition at an amount sufficient to deliver at least about 0.5 mg dose / day, at least about 1mg dose / day, at least about a 5mg dose / day, at least about 10 mg dose / day, at least about 20 mg dose / day, at least about 40 mg dose / day, at least about 50 mg dose / day, at least about 60 mg dose / day, at least about 75 mg dose / day, at least about 100 mg dose / day, at least about 150 mg dose / day, at least about 200 mg dose / day, at least about 250mg dose / day, between about 5 mg dose / day and about 250 mg dose / day, between about 10 mg dose / day and about 200 mg dose / day, between about 10 mg dose / day and about 100 mg dose / day, between about 20 mg dose / day and about 80 mg dose / day, between about 20 mg dose / day and about 30 mg dose / day, between about 60 mg dose / day and about 70 mg dose / day, between about 24 mg dose / day and about 66 mgdose / day, about 24.2 mg dose / day, or about 65.6 mg dose / day to the ruminant animal.

[0028] In one embodiment, the gas is or comprises methane and / or carbon dioxide. In an embodiment, the gas is or comprises methane. In embodmients, the gas is or comprises carbon dioxide.

[0029] In an embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is present in the composition at an amount sufficient to deliver a dose between about 50mg / day and about 500mg / day, or between about 100mg / day to 400 mg / day to the ruminant animal.

[0030] In one embodiment, the composition is a feed additive. In this embodiment, the method further includes the step of adding the feed additive to feed. In the embodiment where the composition is a feed additive, the feed additive is present in the feed composition in an amount of at least about 0.0025%, at least about 0.005%, at least about 0.01%, between about 0.001% and about 0.01%, between about 0.0025% and about 0.01%, or between about 0.005% and about 0.02% by dry matter basis.

[0031] The various features and embodiments of the present invention referred to in the individual sections above and in the description which follows apply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequently, features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate.

[0032] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:FIG 1a relates to a graphical representation of decomposition rate oftribromoacetic acid in water at 40°C (the temperature of the gastrointestinal tract); FIG 1b relates to a graphical representation of decomposition rate of tribromoacetic acid in water at 23°C (temperature similar to ambient temperature);FIG 2 relates to a simulation of a block consumption on pasture to reduce issues relating to dose from loss;FIG 3 relates to a graphical representation of rumen activation of tribromoacetic acid into bromoform in distilled water and rumen fluid; andFIG 4a shows a graphical representation of the productivity based on animal weights and calculation of average daily gain (ADG) for individual cattle with multiple (4 or more) measurements across a trial period covering at least 15 days; andFIG 4b shows a graphical representation of the productivity based on animal weights and calculation of average daily gain (ADG) based on a 5-day moving average with daily measurements across trial period from 13-Oct 2025 to 5-Nov 2025;FIG 5a shows a graphical representation of the average methane emissions for individual animals with multiple (2 or more daily) measurements;FIG 5b shows a graphical representation of the average methane emissions across days of the trial;FIG 6a shows a graphical representation of the average carbon dioxide emissions for individual animals with multiple (2 or more daily) measurements;FIG 6b shows a graphical representation of the average carbon dioxide emissions across days of the trial;FIG 7 shows a graphical representation of the percentage reduction in methane emissions for Trial compared to Control animals across days in Phase 2; andFIG 8 shows an example of the ‘GrowPro’ formulation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in a composition. Accordingly, the composition, assembly, system or method steps have been illustrated in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

[0035] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.

[0036] Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are intended to define a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a composition, assembly, system or method that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a composition, assembly, system or method.

[0037] As used herein, the term ‘about’ means the amount is nominally the number following the term ‘about’, but the actual amount may vary from this precise number to an unimportant degree.

[0038] As used herein, the term ‘production trait’ relates to gas production reduction. In this regard, it is envisaged that lost energy to gas production can be redirected towards one or more production trait(s). In an embodiment, the gas comprises or is methane and / or carbon dioxide. In embodiments, the gas comprises or is methane. In one embodiment, the gas comprises or is carbon dioxide. Non-limiting examples of a production trait is weight or feed efficiency.

[0039] The present invention is predicated on the finding that halogenated alkanoic acid can be utilized to address some of the issues mentioned hereinabove. Particularly, the present invention is predicated on the finding that halogenated alkanoic acids can reduce gas production in ruminant animals and can lead to an increase in a production trait of said ruminant animal.

[0040] The present invention broadly relates to increasing a measure of a production trait in a ruminant animal. Additionally, or alternatively, the presentinvention relates to reducing the gas production of a ruminant animal. Particularly, the present invention relates to reducing the methane and / or carbon dioxide production of a ruminant animal. In one embodiment, the methane production is or comprises biogenic methane production. The present invention relates to a composition comprising a halogenated alkanoic acid.

[0041] In one embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is a halogenated acetic acid. In one embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is a brominated alkanoic acid. In an embodiment, the halogenated acetic acid is a brominated acetic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is or comprises tribromoacetic acid.Tribromoacetic acid (‘TBAA’)

[0042] As mentioned above, there are significant issues with using bromoform to reduce the methane production of ruminant animals. In this regard, bromoform is volatile which results in difficulty providing the appropriate dosage to ruminant animals, and the bromoform appears to be unpalatable to said animals. In this regard, bromoform evaporates relatively quickly and so without administration being monitored, it is difficult to ensure that a ruminant animal is provided with a sufficient amount of bromoform. As such, the ‘effective concentration’ or ‘effective amount’ of bromoform delivered is difficult to administer without significant oversight. Additionally, another challenge of bromoform is dosing time. Ideally, an animal should be continually dosed; however, this is not possible with bromoform due to the issues mentioned hereinabove.

[0043] The inventors have demonstrated that bromoform is broken down in the rumen into dibromomethane. The inventors postulate that both bromoform and dibromomethane have anti-methanogenic effects in the rumen of ruminant animals. In this regard, bromoform and dibromomethane are postulated to have bioactivity against Archaea microbes.

[0044] The inventors have found that halogenated alkanoic acids are relatively stable at room temperature and typical conditions. In particular, a halogenatedalkanoic acid that is of particular interest is tribromoacetic acid. It is understood that tribromoacetic acid will slowly decompose into bromoform when it comes into contact with water (Zhang, X.; Minear, R. A. Decomposition of Trihaloacetic Acids and Formation of the Corresponding Trihalomethanes in Drinking Water. Water Res. 2002, 36 (14), 3665-3673. https: / / doi.Org / 10.1016 / S0043-1354(02)00072-6.). Tribromoacetic acid undergoes a decarboxylation reaction to form bromoform. The inventors have recognized that tribromoacetic acid will decompose in the rumen to form bromoform. Additionally, the inventors recognize that the use of tribromoacetic acid minimizes bromoform contact externally, and that tribromoacetic acid is also safer to handle and the damage to the environment is alleviated with the delayed / slow release of bromoform.

[0045] In one embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is present in the composition at at least about 0.001 %, at least about 0.005%, at least about 0.01 %, at least about 0.05%, at least about 0.10%, at least about 0.16%, at least about 0.5%, between about 0.01% and about 1%, between about 0.5% and about 1%, between about 0.1% and about 1%, between about 0.001% and about 0.15%, between about 0.005% and about 0.15%, between about 0.05% and about 0.5%, between about 0.05% and about 0.25%, between about 0.08% and about 0.2%, between about 0.08% and about 0.15%, between about 0.0.093% and about 0.139%, between about 0.16% and about 1%, between about 0.16% and about 0.75%, between about 0.1% and about 0.15%, or between about 0.15% and about 0.5% by weight of the composition. In an embodiment, the halogenated alkonoic acid is present in the composition at about 0.093% or about 0.139% by weight of the composition.

[0046] It is envisaged that the present composition may be utilized in or as a block in which a ruminant animal can graze thereupon. In this regard, the inventors have found that ruminant animals will utilize a block (e.g., consume a block) until their desired intake of a certain component thereof has been ingested. It is envisaged that the amount of halogenated alkanoic acid, and thus activated ingredient, can be tailored such that the appropriate amount of activated ingredient is delivered or produced by the ruminant animal. It will be appreciated that thepresent composition may also be utilized in other forms (mentioned in more detail hereinafter).

[0047] For instance, studies suggest that a molasses block will be consumed at a rate of about 75g / head of cattle / day (when the molasses block contains between about 40% to about 60% molasses). In another example, studies suggest that a high urea salt block will be consumed at a rate of about 100-150g / head of cattle / day (when the high urea salt block contains between about 30% to about 50% salt). In yet another example, studies suggest that a trace element block will be consumed at a rate of about 50-75g / head of cattle / day (when the high trace element block contains between about 40% to about 80% salt).

[0048] For instance, studies suggest that a molasses block will be consumed at a rate of about 10g / head of sheep / day (when the molasses block contains between about 40% to about 50% molasses). In another example, studies suggest that a high urea salt block will be consumed at a rate of about 7.5g / head of sheep / day (when the high urea salt block contains between about 45% to about 50% salt). In yet another example, studies suggest that a trace element block will be consumed at a rate of about 5-10g / head of sheep / day (when the high trace element block contains between about 40% to about 50% salt).

[0049] The inventors have demonstrated that using the appropriate amount of tribromoacetic acid in these compositions and thus blocks will allow the ruminant animal to consume the desired amount of tribromoacetic acid to effectively reduce methane and / or carbon dioxide production over extended periods (e.g., about 12 to 24 hours) which differs from single dose treatments of bromoform which peak after about 1 to 3 hours after intake. Figure 3 shows stable bromoform levels in the rumen after 6 hours. Studies suggest that bromoform is decomposed to dibromomethane by the Archaea microbes, and so the presence of dibromomethane suggests activity thereon. It should be noted that no dibromomethane is detected in distilled water without the Archaea microbes. Only bromoform from the decomposition of tribromoacetic acid is detected in the distilled water.

[0050] The inventors have recognized that in addition to being utilized in a block, the present composition can also be utilized as a feed supplement and / or drink supplement. In this regard, the inventors have recognized that the composition can be added to water in such a manner that the ruminant animals will consume a large quantity of the dosed water before decomposition becomes a significant issue. Additionally, the inventors have recognized that the composition may also be utilized as a feed additive whereby it is added to feed. In one embodiment, the feed is or comprises a feed lot, grass, and / or hay. In such situations, it is postulated that if the composition is utilized in a feed supplement then a significantly less amount or concentration of tribromoacetic acid is required as the ruminant animal will consume a significantly greater amount of feed.

[0051] In an embodiment, the composition is in the form of a feed additive adapted to be added to feed. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a drink additive adapted to be added to water.

[0052] In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a block, a dry feed, or a loose lick. In an embodiment, the block is a supplement block, a salt block, a mineral block, a molasses block, a urea block, a trace element block, a phosphorus block and / or a sulphur block. In one embodiment, the block is a dry-pressed block. In an embodiment, the loose lick is a supplement loose lick, a salt loose lick, a mineral loose lick, a molasses loose lick, a urea loose lick, a trace element loose lick, a phosphorus loose lick and / or a sulphur loose lick.

[0053] In one embodiment, the ruminant animal is or comprises bovines, goats, sheep, giraffes, deer, gazelles, and antelopes.

[0054] The inventors have demonstrated that halogenated alkanoic acid (particularly tribromoacetic acid) decomposes into bromoform when exposed to water. In this regard, results suggest that decomposition of tribromoacetic acid occurs steadily over time in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal. Shown in Figure 1a, empirical data indicates that tribromoacetic acid has a half-life of 24 hours at 40°C. Figure 1b shows the decomposition rate of tribromoacetic acid in water at 23°C. It is postulated that the following amount of tribromoacetic acid decomposition occurs in the composition:Table 1 - Decomposition change over time at 23°C

[0055] It will be appreciated that the moisture content should be minimal to alleviate the issue of decomposition of the tribromoacetic acid. In one embodiment, the composition and / or supplement block or dry block thereof has a low moisture content. In an embodiment, the moisture content of the composition or block thereof is less than about 5%, less than about 4%, less than about 3%, less than about 2%, less than about 1%, between about 0.1% and about 2%, or between about 1% and about 2%. Preferably, the moisture content of the composition or block thereof is less than 2% to minimize the decomposition of tribromoacetic acid.

[0056] The inventors also envisage that consumption of the composition occurs over time and expects that ruminant animals that are consuming the feed composition initially have a larger dose of tribromoacetic acid than those that consume the composition at a later point in time.

[0057] It is postulated that the amount of bromoform (from the decomposition of tribromoacetic acid) can be stabilized due to the slow degradation in the rumen. As such, rather than only an initial high dose of bromoform, consumption of tribromoacetic acid can lead to prolonged increased concentration of bromoform in the rumen and dietary tract. Tribromoacetic acid slowly decomposes into bromoform and so the consumption thereof leads to a slow release of bromoform into the rumen which is postulated to result in prolonged effect in the reduction in methane production.

[0058] The inventors postulate that a coating or additive adapted to coat the halogenated alkanoic acid may be provided with the composition to delay or deter decomposition of the tribromoacetic acid. In an embodiment, the composition further comprises a coating and / or additive. In an embodiment, the coating and / oradditive is suitably deposited on the surface of the halogenated alkanoic acid. In an embodiment, the coating and / or additive is suitably a water resistant and adapted to form a water barrier. In one embodiment, the coating comprises or is a wax and / or an oil. Non-limiting examples of the wax and / or oil include carnauba wax, palm stearin, hydrogenated palm oil, parrafin, shellac and / or beeswax. Further non-limiting examples of the coating or additive include pharmaceutical type coatings known to the person skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples of the pharmaceutical type coatings include cellulose-based, lecithin-based and polymer-based coatings and films

[0059] Studies suggest that individual cattle require about 200mg of bromoform a day for approximately 80% reduction in methane.

[0060] As tribromoacetic acid decomposes with moisture, the inventors have estimated that there is a reduction of tribromoacetic acid concentration in a block or composition from about 0.16% (initial concentration) to about 0.11% at about the 30-day initial period. However, it should be noted that consumption of tribromoacetic acid occurs throughout this time. On average, with a 100 kg composition or block thereof, the inventors postulate that 4.5g of tribromoacetic acid is consumed / 30 head of cattle / day, and the average dose would be approximately 160mg / head of cattle / day

[0061] The inventors estimate that the total amount of tribromoacetic acid consumed is 130g of the initial 160g deployed. From a life cycle and cost perspective, it is expected that about 80% of the tribromoacetic acid will be consumed with the remaining lost to atmosphere as bromoform. The amount of bromoform lost is estimated to be 25g per 100kg block. If the blocks are consumed faster, then more tribromoacetic acid is consumed and less bromoform is lost. Shown in Figure 2 is a simulation of block consumption on pasture to reduce issues relating to dose and loss.

[0062] Another issue associated with bromoform is that it must be delivered to the rumen of the ruminant animal. Methane reduction commences from tribromoacetic acid once in the digestive tract and this acts as a low releasing bioactive. As such, it is important to ensure that the tribromoacetic aciddecomposes into bromoform in the rumen of the ruminant animal. The inventors have found that tribromoacetic acid decomposes into bromoform in a short timeframe in water. In this regard, when tribromoacetic acid is consumed through a lick or a block then it will commence the decomposition process whilst being consumed as saliva contains sufficient moisture to decompose the tribromoacetic acid. Furthermore, tests suggest that tribromoacetic acid decomposes slowly in the ruminant fluid (Figure 3).

[0063] It is also postulated that tribromoacetic acid may slowly decompose throughout the dietary tract. As such, tribromoacetic acid may decompose into bromoform in the rumen; but may also decompose into bromoform in the hindgut (distal sections of the digestive tract and thus have potential impact in the manure which is also a significant contributor to methane production). This would not be the case for bromoform being ingested directly.

[0064] Archaea microbes may be present in many different fields. As such, the inventors postulate that the present composition may be utilized with Archaea microbes across agriculture and other industries with biogenic methane emissions. Non-limiting examples include animal waste, rice production, waste water and landfill waste. For instance, Archaea microbes may be present in the manure of a ruminant animal. These microbes may continue to produce methane in the manure of the ruminant animal. The inventors postulate that the present composition may be added to manure to address this issue. In one embodiment, the composition is a manure additive.

[0065] It will also be appreciated that livestock or ruminant animals may also graze on a block over time and this maintains the concentration of tribromoacetic acid and thus bromoform in large swings in effective concentrations between feeding. In this regard, the concentration of bromoform in the rumen increases from the initial dose because it is activated in the rumen and subsequent feed intakes stabilize the concentration of bromoform above the effective concentration.

[0066] It is postulated that the outer periphery of a block may have slightly less tribromoacetic acid content compared to the center as the periphery is exposed toincreased moisture in the atmosphere. The inventors have postulated that this is advantageous because ruminant animals will lick or consume the outer surface of the block and this means that the tribromoacetic acid will be consumed earlier in the process before decomposition thereof is significant. As the ruminant animals consume the peripheral, the inner volume of the block and / or feed composition is exposed for consumption. It will be appreciated that the loss of tribromoacetic acid is alleviated by consumption of the most exposed sections initially.

[0067] As mentioned above, the composition may further comprise additional components. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more of the following additional components: urea, molasses, salt (NaCI), zeolite, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, monodicalcium phosphate (MDCP) or monocalcium phosphate (MCP), copper, cobalt, zinc, selenium and sulphur.

[0068] In an embodiment, the composition further comprises urea, molasses, salt, zeolite, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron.

[0069] In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a urea block. In one embodiment, the urea block comprises:urea in an amount between about 30% and about 50%; molasses in an amount between about 1% and about 10%; salt in an amount between about 30% and about 50%;zeolite in an amount between about 1% and about 10%;calcium in an amount between about 1% and about 10%; phosphorus in an amount between about 1% and about 10%; magnesium in an amount between about 0.01% and about 1%; iron in an amount between about and about 0.01% and about 1%; and tribromoacetic acid in an amount between about 0.16% and about 0.5%,by weight of the composition.

[0070] In one embodiment, the urea block comprises:urea in an amount between about 30% and about 50%; molasses in an amount between about 1% and about 5%; salt in an amount between about 30% and about 45%;zeolite in an amount between about 6% and about 8%;calcium in an amount between about 1% and about 3%; phosphorus in an amount between about 1% and about 3%; magnesium in an amount between about 0.2% and about 0.3%; iron in an amount between about and about 0.1 % and about 0.5%; and tribromoacetic acid in an amount between about 0.16% and about 0.5%,by weight of the composition.

[0071] In an embodiment, the composition further comprises molasses, salt, MDCP, calcium, phosphorus, copper, cobalt, zinc and selenium.

[0072] In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a phosphorus block. In one embodiment, the phosphorus block comprises:molasses in an amount between about 1% and about 10%; salt in an amount between about 20% and about 60%;MDCP or MCP in an amount between about 40% and about 75%; calcium in an amount between about 1% and about 25%; phosphorus in an amount between about 1% and about 25%; copper in an amount between about 1 % and about 2%;cobalt in an amount between about and about 0.01% and about 1%; zinc in an amount between about 0.01% and about 0.5%. selenium in an amount between about 0.01% and about 0.5%; and tribromoacetic acid in an amount between about 0.16% and about 0.5%,by weight of the composition.

[0073] In one embodiment, the phosphorus block comprises:molasses in an amount between about 4% and about 5%; salt in an amount between about 20% and about 50%; monodicalcium phosphate (MDCP) or monocalcium phosphate (MCP) in an amount between about 45% and about 70%;calcium in an amount between about 5% and about 20%; phosphorus in an amount between about 5% and about 15%; copper in an amount between about 1 % and about 1.5%;cobalt in an amount between about and about 0.01 % and about 0.02%; zinc in an amount between about 0.3% and about 0.4%.selenium in an amount between about 0.02% and about 0.3%; and tribromoacetic acid in an amount between about 0.16% and about 0.5%,by weight of the composition.

[0074] In an embodiment, the composition further comprises molasses, salt, zeolite and sulphur.

[0075] In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a sulphur block. In one embodiment, the sulphur block comprises:molasses in an amount between about 1% and about 10%; salt in an amount between about 20% and about 95%;zeolite in an amount between about 1% and about 20%;sulphur in an amount between about 1% and about 30%; phosphorus in an amount between about 1% and about 25%; andtribromoacetic acid in an amount between about 0.16% and about 0.5%,by weight of the composition.

[0076] In one embodiment, the sulphur block comprises:molasses in an amount between about 1% and about 5%; salt in an amount between about 70% and about 80%;zeolite in an amount between about 4% and about 6%;sulphur in an amount between about 1% and about 30%; phosphorus in an amount between about 15% and about 20%; andtribromoacetic acid in an amount between about 0.16% and about 0.5%,by weight of the composition.

[0077] In an embodiment, the composition for use in increasing a measure of a production trait in a ruminant animal. In one embodiment, the composition for use in reducing gas emission in a ruminant animal. In a certain embodiment, the composition for use in reducing methane and / or carbon dioxide emission in a ruminant animal. In a particular embodiment, the composition for use in reducing methane emission in a ruminant animal. In certain embodiments, the composition for use in reducing carbon dioxide emission in a ruminant animal. In an embodiment, the composition when used in increasing a measure of a production trait in a ruminant animal. In one embodiment, the composition when used in reducing gas emission in a ruminant animal. In a certain embodiment, the composition when used in reducing methane and / or carbon dioxide emission in a ruminant animal. In a particular embodiment, the composition when used in reducing methane emission in a ruminant animal. In certain embodiments, the composition when used in reducing carbon dioxide emission in a ruminant animal.

[0078] It will be appreciated that the present invention also resides in a method for increasing a measure of a production trait and / or reducing gas emission in a ruminant animal including the steps of:administering an effective amount of a composition comprising a halogenated alkanoic acid to said animal;to thereby increase a measure of a production trait and / or reduce gas emission in the ruminant animal.

[0079] In one embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid may be as described hereinabove.

[0080] In embodiments, the gas is or comprises methane and / or carbon dioxide. In particular embodiments, the gas is or comprises methane. In additional or alternative embodiments, the gas is or comprises carbon dioxide.

[0081] In an embodiment, where the gas comprises or is methane, the methane emission is reduced by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or any range therebetween. In one embodiment, where the gas comprises or is methane, the methane emission is reduced by between about 5% and about 90%, between about 10% and about 80%, between about 25% and about 80%, between about 40% and about 60%, between about 40% and about 60%, between about 48% and about 55%, about 41.5%, about 47.8%, about 52.8%, about 55.4%, or about 58.1 %,

[0082] In a particular embodiment, where the gas comprises or is carbon dioxide, the carbon dioxide emission is reduced by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or any range therebetween. In an embodiment, where the gas comprises or is carbon dioxide, the carbon dioxide emission is reduced by between about 5% and about 90%, between about 10% and about 80%, between about 10% and about 70%, between about 10% and about 60%, between about 20% and about 60%, between about 20% and about 50%, between about 20% and 40%, between about 20%and 30%, between about 30$ and about 37%, about 20%, about 29.9%, about 32.3%, about 36.5%, or about 50.3%,

[0083] In an embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is present in the composition at an amount sufficient to deliver at least about 0.5 mg dose / day, at least about 1mg dose / day, at least about a 5mg dose / day, at least about 10 mg dose / day, at least about 20 mg dose / day, at least about 40 mg dose / day, at least about 50 mg dose / day, at least about 60 mg dose / day, at least about 75 mg dose / day, at least about 100 mg dose / day, at least about 150 mg dose / day, at least about 200 mg dose / day, at least about 250mg dose / day, between about 5 mg dose / day and about 250 mg dose / day, between about 10 mg dose / day and about 200 mg dose / day, between about 10 mg dose / day and about 100 mg dose / day, between about 20 mg dose / day and about 80 mg dose / day, between about 20 mg dose / day and about 30 mg dose / day, between about 60 mg dose / day and about 70 mg dose / day, between about 24 mg dose / day and about 66 mg dose / day, about 24.2 mg dose / day, or about 65.6 mg dose / day to the ruminant animal.

[0084] In an embodiment, the production trait suitably comprises one or more of weight, feed efficiency, or heat tolerance. In one embodiment, the production trait is weight or weight gain. In embodiments, the weight gain is daily weight gain. In an embodiment, the daily weight gain is average daily weight gain over a plurality of days. In a particular embodiment, where the production trait is daily weight gain, the weight gain of the ruminant animal is at least about a 1.5x increase, at least about a 2x increase, at least about a 3x increase, at least about a 4x increase, at lease about a 5x increase, between about a 1.5x increase and about a 5x increase, between about a 2x increase and about a 4.5x increase, between about a 1.5x increase and about a 2.5x increase, between about a 4x increase and about a 5x increase, about a 2x increase, or about a 4.4x increase when compared to a ruminant animal consuming the same amount of feed without the present alkanoic acid.

[0085] In an embodiment, the halogenated alkanoic acid is present in the composition at an amount sufficient to deliver a dose of at least at least about 0.5mg / day, at least about 1mg / day, at least about 5mg / day, between about 5mg / day and about 500mg / day, between about 5mg / day and about 250mg / day, between about 5mg / day and about 100mg / day, between about 10mg / day and about 75mg / day, between about 10mg / day and about 70mg / day, between about 20mg / day and about 70mg / day, between about 24.2mg / day and about 65.6mg / day, between about 50mg / day and about 500mg / day, between about 100mg / day to 400 mg / day, about 24.2mg / day, or about 65.6mg / day to the ruminant animal. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that a larger or smaller dose may be required depending on the size of the animal. Particularly, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the greater the amount of rumen fluid in the animal to be treated the greater the amount of halogenated alkanoic acid required. Alternatively, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the smaller the amount of rumen fluid in the animal to be treated, the smaller the amount of halogenated alkanoic acid required.

[0086] In one embodiment, the composition is a feed additive. In this embodiment, the method further includes the step of adding the feed additive to feed. In the embodiment where the composition is a feed additive, the feed additive is present in the feed composition in an amount of at least about 0.0025%, at least about 0.005%, at least about 0.01%, between about 0.001% and about 0.01%, between about 0.0025% and about 0.01%, or between about 0.005% and about 0.02% by dry basis.

[0087] In one embodiment, the composition may be added to, or may be in the form of, feed or liquid. In an embodiment, the feed may be grass, hay, grain, liquid feed, loose mix, feedlots and similar. In another embodiment, the composition may be a liquid supplement adapted to be added to a liquid. In non-limiting embodiments, the liquid is suitably water and / or a liquid molasses supplement.

[0088] In an embodiment, the composition may be in the form of a feed additive or a liquid additive. That is, the composition is formulated such that it is adapted to be added to feed and / or a liquid. This allows for delivery of the halogenated alkanoic acid to the subject through different vehicles. This is also advantageous as it allows for flexibility in delivering an effective dose of thecomposition. For instance, the composition can be utilized as a supplement for both solids and liquids. In this regard, the composition can be added as a precursor to a solid and / or liquid that will be ultimately consumed by the subject. In this regard, the composition may be added to feed and / or liquid during the manufacturing process or just prior to consumption.

[0089] It will be appreciated that the composition may be formulated as a feed or liquid. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that composition may be added to the feed or liquid. In this regard, the composition may suitably be added to a trough of liquid supplement and / or drinking water. Given the relative stability of tribromoacetic acid in water at room temperature, the present invention allows for delivery via solid feed or liquid feed.

[0090] In one embodiment, the composition is administered intravenously, subcutaneously or orally over a short period. In one embodiment, a subject may be administered with a bolus of the composition. This is envisaged to provide a large initial concentration for slow release into the rumen.

[0091] In one embodiment, the composition may be as described herein.Examples of block compositionUrea BlockPhosphorus BlockSulphur BlockExperimental

[0092] A study was conducted at an operational form (in Charleville, Queensland, Australia) with a pasture of primarily of buffel grass with Angus cross animals (approximately 1 year old). The trial utilized tribromoacetic acid in a lick block to evaluate methane reduction and other parameters (e.g., weight and carbon dioxide emission).

[0093] The trial was run in two phases having different durations:Phase 1 : a control group (lick block (GrowPro lick block) without tribromoacetic acid addition) and a trial group (lick block (GrowPro lick block) with a low dose of tribromoacetic acid addition at 0.093% by weight)Phase 2 : same control group (lick block (GrowPro lick block) without tribromoacetic acid addition) and the same trial group (lick block (GrowPro lick block) with a medium dose of tribromoacetic acid addition at 0.139% by weight). It should be noted that the Phase 2 trial commenced immediately after the Phase 1 trial.Trial Method

[0094] The trial commenced on 7 October 2025 and concluded on 6 November 2025, equating to just over 4 weeks. The control group and trial group were confined to separate paddocks. Each group (that is, the control group and the trial group) was allocated 130 animals. Each paddock had two water stations and an Optiweigh unit located next to one of the water stations. The lick blocks were located next to the water stations.

[0095] The lick block was initially provided as a molasses lick block from 7 October 25 to 13 October 2025. However, observations appeared to indicate that only limited animals were frequenting the blocks even though both blocks (control and low dose of tribromoacetic acid) were being consumed. The molasses lick block was substituted to a sulphur lick block and animals were observed to be frequenting more often from 14 October 2025. The below results are based on 14 October 2025 to 6 November 2025 results.

[0096] Methane and carbon dioxide were measured using an Agscent equipment integrated into the Optiweigh unit (weights, and electronic ID tag capture). Methane and carbon dioxide were measured constantly between the hours of 6am and 6pm with 1L per min flow rate. Animal emissions are only calculated (and reported) after an adequate time had passed in the Optiweigh unit during which at least one erucation (burp) had registered. The Optiweigh system measures weights during the same period of erucation, and also measures the weight for all animals entering the system even if they are not registering a methane / carbon dioxide emissions data point. This means that the total numberof animals weighed during the period is higher than the total number of animals with methane or carbon dioxide emissions captured.

[0097] Shown in the Table 1 below is the trial wide data:

[0098] Shown in the Table 2 below is the trial data for the low dose formulation trial (Phase 1):

[0099] Shown in Table 3 below is the trial data for the medium dose formulation trial (Phase 2):<&

[0100] Shown in Figure 8 is an example of the ‘GrowPro’ formulation without the addition of tribromoacetic acid.

[0101] The inventors utilized three different metrics for evaluation of methane reduction:Methane production (g / day) - the average erucation of methane presented as parts per million can be used to estimate the relative reduction in daily methane emission.Methane yield (g / kg DMI) - as feed intake was not able to quantified on pasture, this metric has been estimated based on the average animal weights for Phase 1 and Phase 2 individually (range provided);Methane intensity (g / ADG) factors in the amount of weight gain over the same period, based on the conservative 2-times increase in ADG in the Trial compared to the Control and a difference in Trial (23 ppm) to Control (51.5 ppm) methane emissions.

[0102] In relation to methane reduction (g / day) Agscent provided an equation to convert methane concentration in euractions into g / day in line with industry standards (emission reduction as % holds regardless of conversion). In relation to methane yield (g / kg DMMI), Phase 1 resulted in a 49.7% reduction in methane yield; and Phase 2 resulted in a 40.5% reduction in methane yield. In relation to methane intensity (g / ADG), trial wide calculation of a reduction in methane intensity was a 77.7% reduction.Key Results

[0103] The above results indicate that growth rate (as average daily gain, kg / day) was higher in the trial compared to the control, based on both ADG metrics (Figure 4a and 4b).

[0104] Methane emissions were significantly reduced in the trial compared to the control (Figure 5a). Background methane concentration when cattle were not visiting the unit was 2.1 ppm, and the values reported are emissions only duringerucation (burps) whilst in the unit. When methane emissions were expressed using averages across days (Figure 5b), the effect was still significant.

[0105] In addition to methane, the carbon dioxide expelled during the erucation (burp) was also quantified (Figures 6a and 6b). Surprisingly, the results indicate that there was a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emission in the trial group compared to the control group. The background carbon dioxide concentration in the air when cattle were not visiting the unit was on average 409.1 ppm, and the values reported are emissions during erucations in line with methane emissions. Even with the considerably higher warming potential of methane as a greenhouse gas (28-times carbon dioxide over a 100 year time frame), the 188.9 ppm reduction in carbon dioxide across individuals (Table 1) represents an appreciable amount of greenhouse gas compared to methane (28.5 ppm across individual).

[0106] Overall, there was an immediate trend when new medium tribromoacetic acid dose blocks were deployed (Figure 7) with low and high values scattered across days, and some days (e.g., 4 November 2025) where no comparison could be made (either because there were no methane emissions registered during visits from either Trial or Control animals that day).Findings

[0107] The effective bromoform dose provided by the tribromoacetic acid in the Phase 1 trial blocks for the beef cattle on pasture, based on block consumption rates, was estimated to be 7.1 mg / kg DMI at 1% body weight DMI with an average weight of 276 kg animals over the three-week period. This value is a much lower value than the average tested in Asparagopsis and / or bromoform studies across beef and dairy trials (28.3 mg / kg DMI) and much lower than the specific beef value in these same studies (37.5 mg / kg DMI). However, the average reduction in these studies was 47% for methane production (kg / day) and 43% reduction when expressed as g CH4 per kg DMI (Kebreab, E., Pressman, E. M., Ramirez-Agudelo, J. F., Bannink, A., van Gastelen, S., & Dijkstra, J. (2025). A meta-analysis of effects of seaweed and other bromoform containing feed ingredients on methane production, yield, and intensity in cattle. Journal of Dairy Science.). The corresponding numbers for the present invention are a 56% reduction in methaneproduction (kg / day, 8% improvement) and a 50% reduction in methane yield (g CH4 per kg DMI, 7% improvement), with at least 75% lower dose of bromoform. This is a significant and surprising result because of the corresponding low dose of bromoform equivalents from the tribromoacetic acid.

[0108] The inventors have identified that tribromoacetic acid is a much more effective means of delivering methane reduction than bromoform, with an increased efficacy of 3.8-times bromoform on a like-for-like basis. This has important implications for emission reductions in ruminants because the increased efficacy speaks directly to the cost of delivering the technology. This also supports using synthetic forms of the seaweed natural products rather than whole seaweed or its extracts because, in these forms, bromoform is the dominant form and not tribromoacetic acid. Both of their effects in seaweed are also diluted by impurities from other ineffective compounds. Furthermore, most other studies have found that animal productivity is not significantly enhanced when using Asparagopsis additives, even though methane reduction corresponds, theoretically, to 6- to 10% gains from diverting lost energy away from methanogens. These effects are on average subtle, with beef productivity either slight positive or negative effects on ADG or productivity respectively. The present trial suggests statistically significant evidence for improved ADG.

[0109] Given the significant enhancement in methane mitigation with tribromoacetic acid, there are both technical and theoretical considerations. Technically, the delivery of bromoform as tribromoacetic acid is a slow-release mechanism, which may enhance the suppression of methanogens for a longer period after consumption. This assumes that the amount of tribromoacetic acid / bromoform consumed towards the end of the block deployment period is the same as that at the start, which is unlikely with some loss expected. Therefore, the inventors postulate that there has to be alternative explanations in relation to tribromoacetic acid is so effective in methane reduction. Considering tribromoacetic acid as a molecule itself, it is unlikely that it is acting as a bioactive against the microbial community, because it is such a low dose. However, because tribromoacetic acid is a strong acid, it could have a small influence onthe redox potential in the rumen with tribromoacetic acid accepting electrons and limiting hydrogen that would otherwise have contributed to methanogenesis.

[0110] The inventors also postulated that another potential effect of tribromoacetic acid is an indirect effect on the volatile fatty acids (VFAs), mediated through the slow release of bromoform and its impact on methanogens. The resulting increase and stable maintenance of a high hydrogen concentration in the rumen would favour propionate pathways over acetate and butyrate pathways (Wang, K., Xiong, B., & Zhao, X. (2023). Could propionate formation be used to reduce enteric methane emission in ruminants?. Science of the Total Environment, 855, 158867.), further utilizing hydrogen (thereby acting synergistically with bromoform in disrupting methanogenesis). In addition to hydrogen, carbon dioxide is also utilized by the succinate pathway to form the propionate. An increase in propionate concentration in the rumen VFAs provides an explanation for why carbon dioxide was significantly reduced (by up to 50%). When foraging on pasture, beef cattle are assumed to have a low propionate level (~15% of VFAs) and a high acetate level (~65%). When tribromoacetic acid is added, the microbes contributing to the succinate pathway to make propionate could have been enhanced, yielding an increase in propionate to 30% or 40% of VFAs (and corresponding decrease in acetate to, which also contributes to lower hydrogen availability for methanogens). This example would provide an equivalent to a 32% (~one-third) reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the Trial cattle that was observed.

[0111] Potentially as important as the mechanisms of propionate production in the rumen for contributing as a hydrogen sink for the observed methane reduction, propionate is also a key substrate for energy for the animal. Propionate can cross into the blood stream where it is metabolised to glucose in the liver. It is important to consider the relative direct impact of energy recovery from methane reduction, and compare it to that of a hypothetical indirect energy boost from propionate. At the level of CO2 reduction observed (32%), and propionate corresponding, the energy from the propionate increase from 15% to 30% or 40% of VFAs would dwarf the theoretical benefit of methanogen energy recovered from lost methane up to a factor of 4:1. Interestingly, most feed lot beef and dairy cattle already havehigher propionate levels because of the high starch diets (around 30% or higher, not much room to move), whereas foraging cattle have a low amount of propionate because of the fibre dominated pasture, and thus a corresponding a higher methane emission (i.e. they are up towards the top of the theoretical energy loss from methane of ~10% of intake). Anecdotally, the farmer reported that the trial cattle were more active during the middle of the day, when the control cattle were seeking shelter. This additional activity could be explained by higher propionate / glucose production. It could also translate to increased weight and productivity from additional grazing. Furthermore, no palatability issues were observed. The inventors postulate that there is greater energy available from shifting the rumen fermentation from acetate to propionate, and this would increase a production trait in the animal.

[0112] Both methane and carbon dioxide are emitted from ruminant production, yet the focus of all methane inhibitors has been on methane because it has a heating potential of 84-times that of carbon dioxide over 20 years. In the present trial, the significant reduction in methane emissions for the trial compared to the control (55% decrease) correlated with an equally significant and important reduction in carbon dioxide (32% decrease) for the trial. The relative contribution of this carbon dioxide compared to methane from a climate mitigation potential is an additional ~10% benefit over 20 years (with 80-times GWP) and contributes to 20% of the total greenhouse gas mitigation over 100 years. This is a significant result.

[0113] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment.

[0114] As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embraceall alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A composition for increasing a measure of a production trait in a ruminant animal and / or reducing gas production in a ruminant animal, the composition comprising a halogenated alkanoic acid.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the halogenated alkanoic acid is tribromoacetic acid.

3. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the halogenated alkanoic acid is present in the composition between about 0.1% and about 1%, between about 0.05% and about 0.5%, between about 0.05% and about 0.25%, between about 0.08% and about 0.2%, between about 0.08% and about 0.15%, between about 0.0.093% and about 0.139%, about 0.093%, or about 0.139% by weight of the composition.

4. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises a coating and / or additive.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the coating and / or additive is or comprises wax and / or oil.

6. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more of the following additional components; urea, molasses, salt (NaCI), zeolite, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, monodicalcium phosphate (MDCP) or monocalcium phosphate (MCP), copper, cobalt, zinc, selenium and sulphur.

7. The composition of any one of the preceding claims in the form of a block.

8. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas is or comprises methane and / or carbon dioxide.

9. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ruminant animals is or comprises bovines, goats, sheep, giraffes, deer, gazelles, and antelopes.

10. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, when used increasing a measure of a production trait in a ruminant animal and / or reducing gas production in a ruminant animal.

11. A method for increasing a measure of a production trait and / or reducing gas emission in a ruminant animal including the steps of:administering a composition comprising a halogenated alkanoic acid to said ruminant animal;to thereby increase a measure of a production trait and / or reduce methane emission in the ruminant animal.

12. The method of claim 3, wherein the halogenated alkanoic acid is tribromoacetic acid.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the halogenated alkanoic acid is present in the composition between about 0.1% and about 1%, between about 0.05% and about 0.5%, between about 0.05% and about 0.25%, between about 0.08% and about 0.2%, between about 0.08% and about 0.15%, between about 0.0.093% and about 0.139%, about 0.093%, or about 0.139% by weight of the composition.

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the composition further comprises a coating and / or additive.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the coating and / or additive is or comprises wax and / or oil.

16. The method of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the composition further comprises one or more of the following additional components; urea, molasses, salt (NaCI), zeolite, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, monodicalcium phosphate (MDCP) or monocalcium phosphate (MCP), copper, cobalt, zinc, selenium and sulphur.

17. The method of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the composition is in the form of a block.

18. The method of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the gas is or comprises methane and / or carbon dioxide.

19. The method of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the ruminant animals is or comprises bovines, goats, sheep, giraffes, deer, gazelles, and antelopes.

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