Biotechnology is redefining the boundaries of Brazilian livestock production. Scientific advances go far beyond conventional practices, paving the way for a new era of efficiency and ethics in animal production.
The development of recombinant proteins, applied genetic engineering, and synthetic biology is enabling innovative solutions to long-standing sector challenges, such as dependence on invasive and controversial methods for obtaining biological inputs. This biotechnological evolution improves productivity indicators and responds to global demands for sustainable practices and animal welfare, positioning Brazil as a leader in the global bioeconomy.
In a scenario where applied science becomes a competitive differentiator, Brazilian technology-based companies are developing solutions that combine high performance with environmental and ethical responsibility, transforming challenges into opportunities for disruptive innovation. Check out the solution presented at Agrishow Labs 2025!
The Ethical Challenge in Animal Reproduction
For decades, the livestock industry has faced a significant ethical dilemma: its dependence on hormones extracted from animals for reproductive protocols. The main one, eCG (equine chorionic gonadotropin), traditionally obtained from the blood of pregnant mares, involves practices considered cruel, often including the termination of pregnancy after extraction.
This outdated method raises serious animal welfare concerns and poses health risks due to impurities in the biological material, which can cause inflammation in treated animals. With growing social and regulatory pressure for more ethical practices in animal production, especially in European markets, the sector urgently needed an alternative.
Recombinant Technology: 100% Brazilian Solution
Kimera Biotecnologia, a Brazilian startup showcased at Agrishow Labs 2025, has developed an innovative solution that is transforming this scenario: Follimera r-eCG, a recombinant hormone produced entirely in the laboratory, without any use of animals in the process.
“Kimera’s hormone is produced entirely in the laboratory without the need to extract blood from mares or any other animal, and at a much lower cost,” explains the company. This technology, patented in Brazil, Europe, and the U.S., represents a significant breakthrough for the animal reproduction sector.
Kimera’s mission is to end animal abuse by offering a recombinant hormone, manufactured 100% in the laboratory, that is accessible and delivers higher reproductive success rates.
Impact on Livestock Productivity
Reproductive biotechnologies such as Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI), Embryo Transfer (ET), and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are fundamental for increasing reproductive efficiency in Brazilian herds. Kimera’s r-eCG enhances these protocols with significant advantages:
- Greater purity and efficacy – Produced in a controlled environment, ensuring lower variability between batches
- Reduced health risks – Eliminates the risk of cross-species contamination
- Predictable results – Enables more precise reproductive protocols
- Supply chain sustainability – Aligns with international market demands for ethical practices
Complete Portfolio for Different Species
The company has already developed a specific line of hormones to meet the needs of different livestock sectors:
- Follimera® Bovines – Optimized for FTAI protocols in beef and dairy cattle
- Follimera® Swine – Developed for the specific reproductive needs of pig farming
- Follimera® Sheep/Goats – Tailored formulation for small ruminants
In addition to hormone production, Kimera also offers customized R&D services for the development of recombinant molecules on demand, meeting specific market needs.
The technology developed by Kimera not only increases herd reproductive efficiency but also highlights Brazil’s role in developing sustainable animal biotechnology, demonstrating that it is possible to combine high productivity with ethical and responsible practices.
