Bovaer, a feed component, has been authorized in Canada to minimize methane emissions from beef and dairy cattle. Bovaer neutralizes methane in the rumen, which is produced when bacteria degrade feed, releasing hydrogen and CO2. Dsm-firmenich, a Dutch business, aims to make the product accessible in Canada within a few weeks. Bovaer has already been authorized in many regions throughout the globe, including Europe, Brazil, and Australia.
Using the substance, Canadian livestock feeders may lower methane emissions by up to 45 percent on average. For dairy cows, Bovaer may cut methane emissions by 30% on average, possibly decreasing the entire greenhouse gas footprint per liter of milk by 10 to 15%. Canadian study has shown a little improvement in feed efficiency but no change in cattle growth rate.
The approval follows the CFIA’s approval of the active component in Bovaer, 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3NOP). The Canadian Cattle Association’s president, Nathan Phinney, is delighted with the regulatory avenue available for new feed components that lower methane emissions, helping the industry reach its 2030 emissions target.
According to a CCA/National Cattle Feeders’ Association announcement, 3NOP has shown no deleterious effects on the rumen microbial community when given to cattle. The Canadian beef sector plans to cut primary production greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 33% by 2030, whereas Dairy Farmers of Canada aspires for net zero emissions by 2050.
Enteric methane emissions from cattle account for 3.3% of Canada’s total GHG emissions. The product has been authorized in over 50 nations, but not yet in the United States.
