Bovaer feed additive reaches methane

DSM-Firmenich says its product has enabled farmers to save 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).

DSM-Firmenich says its methane-reducing feed additive, Bovaer, has reached a “significant milestone,” enabling farmers to save 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).

Additionally, the company said, after several successful large-scale pilots for Bovaer in May, French cheese producer Bel Group will deploy the additive to all 10,000 cows that supply milk in Slovakia. DSM-Firmenich says this will cut methane emissions by one-quarter for each farm and represent methane reductions of 400 tons annually.

“These results are a testament to DSM-Firmenich’s pioneering contribution to the reduction of agriculture GHG emissions and Bovaer’s proven ability in preventing the formation of methane in the cow’s rumen,” the company said in a press release.

Bovaer suppresses enzymes that trigger methane production in the cow’s rumen, with just a quarter teaspoon of Bovaer per cow per day reducing methane emissions by 30% from dairy cows and 45% from beef cattle.

“Feed additives offer the greatest potential for sector-wide methane reductions and could be feasibly implemented across the dairy and beef chain. Currently, DSM-Firmenich is working with partners across the globe to introduce Bovaer to multiple markets and value chains through on-farm trials and pilots,” the press release said.