Equity How one biotech startup is betting on cows and winning over investors
Jun 25, 2025
Kathryn Polkoff, Co-founder and CEO of Hoofprint Biome, dives into an innovative approach to combating climate change by reprogramming cow microbiomes with enzymes. She reveals how this breakthrough can significantly reduce methane emissions and improve feed efficiency. Kathryn shares insights on her journey through animal science, emphasizing the unique perspective of thinking like a farmer. With a recent $15 million funding boost, her startup is blending AI and biology to create a sustainable future for livestock and our planet.
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Kathryn's Biotech Journey
- Kathryn Polkoff started in animal science and initially worked with CRISPR gene editing in cattle.
- She shifted focus as genome editing took too long to impact climate change effectively.
Microbes Drive Cow Digestion
- Cows rely on rumen microbes to ferment grass and generate energy, not the cows themselves.
- Methanogens in the rumen microbes produce methane as a byproduct, creating climate impact.
Methane's Cost to Cows
- Methane emissions cost cows about 12% of their feed energy, directly hurting productivity.
- Improving rumen efficiency can both reduce methane and boost feed conversion, benefiting farmers.