Empowering Sustainable Dairy Farming

As the global population surges, so does the demand for protein-rich diets. This increase in demand has led to concerns about the environmental impact of dairy farming, particularly regarding the greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted by cows. Addressing these twin challenges, the Ajinomoto Group has embarked on a collaboration with the Meiji Group to create a new business model that leverages Japan’s J-Credit Scheme to reduce GHG emissions while generating economic value in the dairy industry. Based on the success of this initiative, the Ajinomoto Group is now planning similar partnerships globally.

Cows emit GHGs as part of their natural digestive processes, and these are estimated to amount to as much as 3%* of global GHG emissions. Meanwhile, rising feed prices pose an economic challenge, this has prompted dairy farmers and dairy product manufacturers to seek ways to mitigate their environmental footprint while maintaining cost performance.

The Ajinomoto Group’s AjiPro^TM-L product can be a key element of such efforts. AjiPro^TM-L is the world’s best rumen-protected lysine for dairy cows. AjiPro^TM-L’s raw materials are naturally derived, with lysine sourced from corn components through microbial fermentation and plant oils derived from soybeans. Formulation of lysine, which is the amino acid most deficient in dairy cows, can improve the health of dairy cows and increase milk yield, while also contributing to reducing feed costs. And AjiPro^TM-L helps reduce excess nitrogen emissions from manure, contributing to a reduction of N2O, one of the GHGs.

Ajinomoto Group research on lysine, an essential amino acid lacking in dairy cows, began in the 1990s. In 2011, AjiPro^TM-L was launched in North America, where dairy nutrition approaches and farming practices were advanced and demand was high. Subsequently, the product was rolled out to Japan and other markets.

AjiPro^TM-L was subsequently enhanced, improving its lysine absorption efficiency to 1.6 times that of the original product, and it has become an industry leader. Feedback from dairy farmers have indicated enhanced cow health, increased productivity, and reduced feed costs.

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The Group established the Customized Feed Solution (CFS) Department of Ajinomoto Co., Inc. in 2021 to discover new ways of delivering value to the customers. That’s when the team realized the opportunity represented by the Japanese government’s J-Credit Scheme, which allows the trading of GHG reduction and absorption credits. The implementation of the system requires extensive learning, teamwork, and collaboration with external experts, but can be a way to work with farmers the important goal of reducing environmental footprint.

The Group then proposed a strategic partnership with the Meiji Group, a leading Japan dairy manufacturer, and the partners created Japan’s first dairy J-Credit Scheme project in March 2023. Shohei Takeuchi, General Manager of the Strategy Execution Group of the CFS commented: “The Meiji Group and the Ajinomoto Group share the same aspirations, and as partners have been able to overcome the various challenges of this project.”

For dairy farmers, AjiPro^TM-L reduces feed costs without significant investment, resulting in increased profitability. Furthermore, the reduction in GHG emissions translates into financial incentives. Positive feedback included a comment from one farmer about the smell of his barn improving after implementation of the product.

The dairy industry is addressing strong pressure to reduce GHG emissions in the product supply chain. The initiative allows the Meiji Group, a major player in the industry, to support dairy farmers in adopting AjiPro^TM-L, reducing GHG emissions, and working toward carbon neutrality.

The Ajinomoto Group benefits from the model through increasing demand for AjiPro^TM-L as its environmental advantages are recognized. The project also aligns with the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value (ASV) commitment to balancing economic and social value in aiming for sustainability.

AjiPro^TM-L makes for sustainable dairy farming, as Atsushi Haruno, Manager of the Strategy Execution Group of the CFS remarks: “AjiPro^TM-L is the most efficient product for farmers who wish to supply lysine to cows. And the data shows that AjiPro^TM-L contributes to reduction of N2O emission while reducing feed cost thanks to its high efficacy. In addition, the environmental footprint of dairy feed can be reduced by using AjiPro^TM-L, because the production and transportation of AjiPro^TM-L generate fewer GHG emissions compared to the ingredients conventionally used in dairy feed. ”

It’s a win for everyone. Takeuchi comments: “By moving toward more sustainable dairy and meat production, I believe the Ajinomoto Group is helping everyone live healthier and more sustainable lives.” Dairy products are essential to human nutrition, providing vital nutrients. And more sustainable dairy farming can also help in job creation and economic development.

Plans are in place to expand the initiative by recruiting more dairy farmers to participate, aiming to increase GHG reduction efforts. Additionally, the Ajinomoto Group is planning to introduce similar business models in global markets. The Ajinomoto Group is also proactively exploring partnerships with meat producers to apply the model to beef cattle.

Further, the Group is considering partnerships with methane reduction feed additive suppliers. While AjiPro^TM-L addresses N2O emissions, methane remains a significant GHG emitted by cows. The goal is to incorporate cost-effective methane reduction methods alongside AjiPro^TM-L, further reducing GHG emissions while minimizing economic burdens on dairy farmers.

The Ajinomoto Group’s journey towards more sustainable dairy farming is about innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Leveraging partnerships with dairy manufactures, the Ajinomoto Group is working to make positive contributions to sustainable dairy farming, consumer welfare, and the environment.

The Ajinomoto Group’s ability to leverage amino acids to address a wide range of challenges truly sets it apart. Addressing the issue of sustainable food systems, this new initiative aligns with the Ajinomoto Group’s new Purpose: We will contribute to the well-being of all human beings, our society and our planet with “AminoScience*.”