07 Apr 2025
Athian Introduces New Protocol for Reducing GHG Emissions from Cattle

Athian Introduces New Protocol for Reducing GHG Emissions from Cattle
Athian’s protocols represent on-farm practices with proven sustainability outcomes and Ajinomoto Co., Inc.’s AjiPro®-L completed the science-based process in record time.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. [April 08, 2025] – Athian, a technology-based supply chain solutions provider today announced the publishing of the AjiPro®-L protocol developed by Ajinomoto Co., Inc., a global leader in biotechnology and food innovation. The protocol outlines how US dairy farmers can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by replacing conventional feed with amino-acid-balanced, low-protein feed that includes AjiPro®-L. “The best innovations not only have a positive environmental impact, but also increase farmer efficiency,” said Kendra Tolley, chief product officer for Athian. “This protocol enables producers to easily change their feed composition, which decreases GHG emissions as well as their overall potential feed costs without requiring significant upfront investment.” Athian helps dairy farmers reduce environmental impact through monetizing on-farm practices, like the one outlined in this new protocol, by selling the verified outcomes to downstream supply chain partners, such as consumer-packaged goods companies, grocery stores and restaurant chains. These food brands then claim and report project outcomes as Scope 3 insets that help them make progress toward their corporate goals, reward farmers and meet increasing consumer demand for sustainable products. “AjiPro®-L is one of the crucial and integral components of the Ajinomoto Group’s purpose of contributing to the well-being of all human beings, our society and our planet with ‘AminoScience’.” Makoto Bannai, general manager of the Customized Feed Solution Department at Ajinomoto said. “The solution with AjiPro®-L and our partnership with Athian are contributing to reduce GHG emissions while increasing economic value for dairy and beef farmers worldwide.” Amino-acid balanced, low-protein feed including AjiPro®-L allows the essential amino acid, lysine, in feed to bypass the rumen for better absorption, which helps meet dairy cow nutritional requirements while decreasing the amount protein they need to consume. Lower protein diets reduce the amount of nitrogen dairy cows must metabolize and therefore, how much they excrete through their manure. AjiPro®-L already is available and used by US dairy producers but feeding it in accordance with Athian’s protocol reduces emissions in several ways, including by:- Decreasing the amount of conventional feed protein cultivated, transported and fed, without sacrificing animal health or productivity.
- Replacing feed protein sources containing excess amino acids (that contribute to GHG emissions) with the more precise and bio available nutrition dairy cows need.
- Lowering the nitrogen excreted through manure and therefore, the ammonia and nitrous oxide that form during the natural process of manure decomposition.