Brazil, Chile Approve Methane-Reducing Feed Additive
Regulators in Brazil and Chile have granted market authorization to Bovaer®, a novel methane-reducing feed additive for ruminants produced by Dutch nutrition giant Royal DSM NV.
Latin America is the first region to grant approvals for the DSM product, which is also trying to get permission in the European Union, the U.S. and New Zealand.
Research and review of Bovaer – known as Project Clean Cow – included scientists from around the globe that encompassed over 10 years, 45 on-farm trials in 13 countries across 4 continents, and more than 48 peer-reviewed studies in independent scientific journals, DSM said in a statement.
“A beef trial with Bovaer at Sao Paolo State University (UNESP) in Brazil conducted in 2016-2017, showed enteric methane emission reductions up to 55%, which highlights the potential of Bovaer for radically more sustainable cattle farming in Latin America,” said Mauricio Adade, president of DSM Latin America. “We are looking forward to collaborating with the Brazilian and Chilean farming sectors to further lower their carbon footprint.”
DSM said Bovaer is a feed additive for cows (and other ruminants, such as sheep, goats, and deer) researched and developed over 10 years by DSM.
Just a quarter teaspoon of Bovaer per cow per day consistently reduces enteric methane emission by approximately 30% for dairy cows and even higher percentages (up to 90%) for beef cows, DSM said. As a feed additive, Bovaer therefore contributes to a significant and immediate reduction of the environmental footprint of meat, milk and dairy products. Upon feeding, it takes effect immediately. After suppressing methane production in the stomach, it is broken down into compounds already naturally present in the cow's stomach.
