An Australian business looking to reduce the carbon emissions produced by cow burps has got the backing of billionaire Bill Gates.

Methane is produced by cows when breaking down their food – and after carbon dioxide, is the most populous greenhouse gas.

The methane created during their eating process is released through belching – which has led to a start-up from Perth looking to find a solution.

Rumin8 has started developing a dietary supplement that replicates red seaweed – as it’s been suggested that seaweed can significantly lower the methane emissions in cows’ burps.

The company’s creation prevents gas being made in the eating process – and has received $12 million (£9.7m) in funding from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which Bill Gates established eight years ago.

David Messina, Rumin8 Managing Director, said: “We have been very pleased with the reception we have received from climate impact funds around the world.

“There is a genuine desire to fund solutions to enteric methane emissions from livestock and fortunately for Rumin8, they can see the benefits of our technology.”