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THE EVIDENCE

What we've measured,
and what the wider
research shows

We keep these two things separate on purpose: results from Carbon-Kai's own trials, and findings from published research into related carbon-based feed technologies. Only the first tells you what Carbon-Kai itself has done.

OUR OWN RESULTS

Two trials, run on
Carbon-Kai formulations

IN VITRO SCREENING

42.5–47.6% methane reduction

Carbon-Kai's leading formulation has been trialled against the best-performing biochars and activated carbons reported in the international literature, using laboratory fermentation of ruminal fluid from New Zealand cattle. These are indicative results used to guide formulation development, not a confirmed real-world figure — but they compare favourably with the best published results for biochar-mineral supplements anywhere.

ON-FARM TRIAL · 2022

36% more weight gain

In a 66-day trial, 70 recently weaned calves were split into a Carbon-Kai group and a matched control group. The Carbon-Kai calves gained 36% more weight on average, despite starting slightly lighter, with no increase in parasite egg counts. Methane was not measured in this trial — it was designed to test growth and animal health.

WHAT THE WIDER RESEARCH SHOWS

Published findings on related
carbon feed technologies

Biochars, activated carbons and biochar-mineral supplements have been trialled by researchers worldwide. Results vary a lot by formulation — these figures describe that broader field, not Carbon-Kai specifically.

ENTERIC METHANE
Up to 62%
reduction reported using activated carbon in laboratory fermentation, via more efficient microbial electron transfer.
30–40%
reduction measured in an Australian dairy shed trial (180-head herd) feeding activated carbon at 0.5% of intake.
~30%
reduction in methanogenic microbe populations reported alongside increased species diversity in the same trial.
MILK PRODUCTIVITY
+3.43%
daily milk volume, +2.63% milk protein and +6.32% milk fat reported in the same Australian dairy trial.
ANIMAL HEALTH
Reported
suppression of C. botulinum, E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter, plus reduced worm burden, across multiple published animal studies.
SOIL & WHOLE-FARM EMISSIONS
70–90%
of ingested biochar recovered intact in manure in feed-through pathway studies, supporting long-term soil carbon storage.
>50%
reduction in nitrous oxide flux from ruminant urine patches reported in New Zealand pasture research.
37–80%
reduction in ammonia loss from manure storage, depending on biochar type and processing temperature.

Figures in this section are drawn from Carbon-Kai's Scientific Evidence Review, compiled from peer-reviewed studies on biochar, activated carbon and biochar-mineral supplements in ruminant systems. They describe what has been published about this class of technology, and are cited here as context for Carbon-Kai's own formulation work — not as results Carbon-Kai has itself produced.

WHAT'S NEXT

An independent in vivo dairy trial

Laboratory fermentation is fast and useful for screening formulations, but it can't fully replicate a live animal's rumen physiology and metabolism. A full in vivo dairy trial — measuring methane, milk production and animal health under New Zealand conditions — is planned once funding for it is secured.