Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted a thought-provoking public lecture by Dr. Maik Kindermann, bringing together scientists, innovators, and key stakeholders to explore how research and innovation can transform livestock production into a climate-smart enterprise.
Dr. Kindermann, a leading scientist and innovation expert at dsm-firmenich, a global nutrition and science company based in the Netherlands, is renowned for spearheading the development of Bovaer® (3-NOP), a groundbreaking feed additive scientifically proven to reduce methane emissions in cattle without compromising productivity.
The hybrid event, held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the iPIC Exhibition Hall, JKUAT, reignited the “My Cow, My Choice” conversation on sustainable livestock production and the role of science-driven solutions in tackling climate change.
The lecture provided an opportunity for participants to engage with cutting-edge research and explore actionable strategies for making livestock production both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
During the lecture, Dr. Kindermann highlighted several critical areas, including the science behind methane reduction in cattle, the role of feed additives in improving livestock productivity, and strategies for integrating climate-smart practices into modern livestock systems.
He discussed the global impact of livestock emissions on climate change, the economic benefits of sustainable farming, and the importance of collaboration between researchers, farmers, and industry to implement innovative, scalable solutions.
Emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change, Dr. Kindermann noted that the planet has already warmed by 1.6°C due to greenhouse gas emissions.
“Livestock methane emissions remain a significant contributor, but science offers tangible solutions through innovation in feed technology,” he explained.
He introduced the Hohenheimer Feed Test (HFT), an innovative in-vitro system used in livestock nutrition research to measure gases and volatile fatty acids produced in the rumen. According to Dr. Kindermann, this system provides valuable insights into how feed additives and dietary innovations can help curb methane production.
Dr. Kindermann also highlighted advances in microbiome research and phenotype screening, techniques that allow scientists to identify inhibitors of methanogenesis by comparing methane levels with control samples.
“These innovations allow livestock to produce the same amount of milk and meat with a fraction of the environmental impact,” he said.
He further revealed that Bovaer® and related innovations have contributed to reducing over 480,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions, a milestone he described as “just the beginning of what science and innovation can achieve in supporting climate change mitigation.”
Representing Prof. Jackson Kwanza, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Production, and Extension, Prof. Daniel Sila, Principal of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (COANRE), emphasized the vital role universities play in knowledge creation and sustainable innovation.
“Production and innovation must go hand in hand, not only for economic growth but also for long-term sustainability. Institutions must strengthen research capacity and decision-making structures so that scientific inquiry leads to meaningful outcomes,” said Prof. Sila.
Speaking on developments in Kenya’s livestock scene, Mr. Bernard Njathi of Imfuyo Solutions noted that Kenya’s livestock sector, which hosts over 65 million animals, has immense untapped potential. However, he cautioned that weak data systems and low productivity remain significant challenges that must be addressed to unlock this potential.
“Integrating data, finance, and climate-smart technologies can boost productivity and resilience,” noted Mr. Njathi.
The lecture highlighted the importance of collaboration, showing how knowledge-sharing can accelerate practical, science-driven solutions that address both local and global challenges in the livestock sector.
