Dancing with Daffodils
Daffodils for reduced methane production & improved feed efficiency in ruminants
Innovate UK · Farming Futures
Haemanthamine
Project Overview
The project harnesses haemanthamine, a naturally occurring alkaloid extracted from daffodils, to address one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges—methane emissions from cattle, which contribute significantly to global greenhouse gases. By integrating expertise across agriculture, chemistry, animal science, and commercial supply chains, the project aims to deliver a scalable, safe, and commercially viable solution for low-emission livestock systems.
Aims & Objectives
The project aims to develop and commercialise a ruminant feed additive that:
- Reduces methane emissions from dairy cattle
- Maintains or enhances animal productivity
dsadas
- Supports net zero agriculture and emerging carbon markets
dsadas
- Improves nitrogen utilisation and feed efficiency
- Provides a scalable, UK-based bioactive supply chain
dsadas
Key objectives include establishing a reliable daffodil biomass supply, optimising extraction and formulation of haemanthamine, validating efficacy and safety through laboratory and animal trials, and progressing regulatory approval and commercial deployment.
Three-Phase Project Approach
Commercial Opportunity
This project targets a rapidly emerging global market for methane-reducing feed additives, driven by:
- Increasing regulatory pressure on agricultural emissions
- Retailer and supply chain commitments to Net Zero
dsadas
- Demand for productivity-enhancing, sustainable livestock solutions
- Growth in carbon credit markets linked to methane reduction
dsadas
The development of a natural, plant-derived additive positions the consortium to offer a differentiated product with strong appeal across dairy and livestock sectors. The UK’s status as a leading daffodil producer also provides a unique domestic supply advantage, supporting scalability and export potential.
Sustainability Impact
Methane reduction
Targeting significant reductions in enteric methane emissions.
Improved efficiency
Enhanced nitrogen utilisation reduces waste and environmental impact.
Circular bioeconomy
Valorising daffodil biomass into high-value agricultural inputs.
Net Zero alignment
Supporting UK and global climate targets for agriculture.
Farmer value
Potential new revenue streams through carbon credit mechanisms.
Project Partners & Roles
Rumenco Ltd
Project Lead. Specialist in ruminant nutrition and feed solutions. Leads project coordination, formulation development and commercial pathway.
Grampian Growers Ltd
UK leader in daffodil production. Responsible for scaling biomass supply and ensuring consistent alkaloid yield.
Agroceutical Products Ltd
Leads extraction and purification of haemanthamine, developing scalable processing methods.
BioExtractions Wales Limited
Provides specialist extraction technologies and process optimisation for bioactive compounds.
Bangor University
Delivers analytical chemistry, compound development and assay validation.
Scotland's Rural College
Leads animal trials, efficacy testing and microbiome analysis.
Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Ltd
Supports feed formulation, manufacturing integration and farmer engagement.
CIELivestock Limited
Facilitates industry engagement, dissemination and sector adoption.
Analox Limited
Develops methane monitoring systems and measurement technologies for on-farm validation.
Beneve Limited
Leads carbon modelling, lifecycle analysis and carbon credit evaluation.
Commercial dairy farmers
A network of commercial dairy farmers supports real-world trials and validation, ensuring solutions are practical, scalable and farmer-led.
To deliver a first-of-its-kind, nature-based feed additive that enables livestock farmers to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and participate in a more sustainable and profitable agricultural future.