The subject of Bovaer, a supplement that reduces methane emissions from cattle, has recently gained attention in Australian media.
Bovaer, a DSM Firmenich product, has been extensively researched internationally for more than a decade.
As of now, Bovaer has not been used on Australian dairy farms.
The supplement works by inhibiting a specific enzyme in a cow’s stomach, effectively reducing methane emissions. It is made from naturally occurring ingredients – nitrates present in grasses and alcohols naturally found in a cow’s rumen – and is broken down during the cow’s normal digestive process. The cows fully metabolise the product and it does not appear in milk or meat.
The Australian dairy industry operates under strict regulations to protect public health.
Australia’s dairy industry supports the development of technologies that help address carbon emissions whilst also maintaining Australia’s stringent standards for animal welfare and human safety.
The Australian dairy industry is deeply committed to sustainability and has made significant progress in reducing emissions, including a target to lower emissions intensity by 30% by 2030. The industry will continue to prioritise sustainability, food safety, and public health in every aspect of its operations, working towards a more sustainable future for all.
Bovaer has been approved for use in 68 countries, including by the European Food Safety Authority and for beef by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. These regulatory bodies have deemed it safe for animals, their handlers, and consumers.
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