Elanco’s new FDA approvals signal bold step for sustainable cattle feeding

USA – Elanco Animal Health has reached a milestone in its sustainability journey with recent FDA approvals for three product combinations aimed at reducing environmental emissions in finishing heifers. 

This landmark clearance marks a major stride in Elanco’s four-pillar sustainability strategy, which seeks to shift the perception of cattle from a climate burden to a valuable part of the solution for lowering agricultural emissions.

The FDA’s green light encompasses three new product combinations for finishing heifers, integrating Elanco’s Experior with other leading feed additives. The approved combinations include:

• Experior and MGA
• Experior, Rumensin, and MGA
• Experior, Rumensin, Tylan Premix, and MGA

These approvals allow feed yard operators the flexibility to incorporate multiple additives, offering an approach that enhances environmental stewardship and operational efficiency. 

Experior, the first FDA-approved product with a gas emissions claim, has been shown to reduce ammonia gas emissions by up to 16% in confined cattle operations when used according to approved dosage and duration. 

The addition of Rumensin, a compound known for improving feed efficiency, further reduces methane emissions, advancing the broader environmental sustainability agenda.

Katie Cook, Elanco’s vice president of livestock sustainability and U.S. farm animal marketing, noted the impact of these approvals. 

“Our research has shown that feedlot operators balance environmental and economic goals daily. With these combinations, we’re supporting their efforts by delivering options that help meet sustainability targets without sacrificing performance.” 

Cook emphasised that these combined products allow producers to meet specific needs, optimising both business goals and environmental objectives.

The approval couldn’t come at a more opportune time as finishing heifers represent about 40% of the U.S. cattle on feed inventory, according to USDA’s latest data. 

By extending Experior’s benefits to this segment, Elanco opens doors for many producers looking to lower emissions while enhancing productivity.

These efforts align with Elanco’s commitment to reframe the livestock industry as part of the climate solution. In addition to offering practical solutions like Experior, the company has been vocal on the global stage. 

Later this month, Elanco will participate in discussions at the U.N. COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.

There, they will advocate for livestock’s environmental contributions in events, including a panel hosted by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture.

Elanco’s approach reflects a shifting consumer mindset: a recent survey by the company revealed that 71% of U.S. consumers value sustainability in their food purchases, and over half now view livestock as part of the climate solution—a stark increase from just three years ago.

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