Bovaer®, is a feed supplement created by DSM-Firmenich (see refs.), designed to lower methane emissions in ruminants such as cattle.
Bovaer has been approved for use worldwide (65+ countries), including in the EU [September 2003(see refs.)], UK, Australia, Canada[January 2024], and the US [May 2024(see refs.)].
The first countries to approve Bovaer were Brazil and Chile in 2021.
Contents
Active ingredient
The active ingredient in Bovaer is 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) (see refs.).
How it works
In a cow’s stomach, tiny microbes help digest food, which releases gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide. These gases combine to make methane with the help of an enzyme.
Bovaer blocks this enzyme, so the cow makes less methane.
How much Bovaer per cow ?
DSM generally recommends about ¼ teaspoon of Bovaer per cow per day. This typically equates to 60 mg of active 3-NOP(see refs.) per cow per day (depending on the exact formulation/density).
Costs & Calculator
This calculator is for information purposes and provides an approximate price based on 2024 data. The actual price may vary.
Side effects
According to DSM-Firmenich, Bovaer has been in development for 15 years and helps farmers reduce methane emissions from dairy, beef, and other ruminant herds, contributing to the fight against global warming.
It is described as the most thoroughly researched and scientifically validated solution to reduce methane emissions caused by cattle burps.
With over 130 on-farm trials across 20 countries and more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific studies, DSM-Firmenich states that Bovaer has consistently proven to be safe for consumers, farmers, and animals.
Dairy studies have shown that Bovaer has no significant impact on milk production, milk composition, feed intake, milk quality, or animal health. It also has no effect on the rumen microbes that are essential for digestion and is broken down in the digestive system into natural compounds already present in the digestive tract, ensuring no changes in manure composition.
Key Effectiveness Data:
- Methane Reduction:
- In dairy cattle, Bovaer can reduce methane emissions by up to 30%.
- In beef cattle, reductions of up to 45% or more have been observed, depending on the diet composition.
- Rapid Action:
- Bovaer starts working within 30 minutes of being ingested and has a continuous effect as long as it is included in the feed.
- Broad Application:
- Effective across different diets, including those high in forage or concentrates, making it suitable for a wide range of farming systems.
Bovaer Feed Additive Studies and Info
Here are some studies and information I found on the internet related to Bovaer.
If you have found more studies or additional relevant information, please leave a comment so we can update the list and help others who want to read and stay informed about Bovaer feed additive.
- Safety Assessment: Outcome of assessment of 3-Nitrooxypropanol “3-NOP” as a feed additive for all ruminants for milk production and reproduction, from DSM Nutritional Products
- Information about Bovaer® feed supplement
- Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of 3-nitrooxypropanol (Bovaer® 10) for ruminants for milk production and reproduction (DSM Nutritional Products Ltd)
- Long-term effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane emission and milk production characteristics in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows
- The effect of 3-nitrooxypropanol, a potent methane inhibitor, on ruminal microbial gene expression profiles in dairy cows
- A meta-analysis of effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane production, yield, and intensity in dairy cattle
I do NOT want this garbage ( Bovaer) in my milk or dairy products!!
The trials showed they did NOT test for many things. They can not say that Bovaer is safe for humans! The trials never showed if it was found in the milk or not, so how can they say it’s safe?!!
“Data supporting effectiveness has been evaluated when fed for no more than 105 days. Methane gas emissions were measured for individual animals. Data were not evaluated at the herd, farm, or larger scale. Data were not evaluated for other gas emissions. Milk production, feed efficiency, and milk solids have not been evaluated.”
“ no more than 105 days “ . WHY only 105 days if they have been testing it for 15 YEARS?! Think about how many dairy products you and your children use DAILY, what would the cumulative effects of that drug Bovaer have on humans?? ESPECIALLY children who are still growing?? There is a warning on Bovaer to not give it to cows who are still growing, but it’s ok for OUR CHILDREN?!
I will be actively seeking out who’s using Bovaer and who’s not. I will boycott any farm that uses Bovaer or retailers that sell it!
You can stuff that Bovaer !
Hi Sarah,
I am a pro-science farmer who believes that science has helped us and should continue to help us evolve and make progress. Even when we face difficult situations and struggle to accept certain things, we must admit that science has supported us most of the time. Can you honestly say you have never used anything from modern veterinary medicine?
I completely understand your frustration and feel the same way. Some things, even if meant for progress, have been pushed a bit too aggressively in recent years.
Unfortunately, some products are released on the market without enough research, which can sometimes have negative effects.
I wrote about the Bovaer product because I wanted and still want to gather as much information as possible to document it properly and inform other farmers. Sadly, I have not found much information so far, but I hope that over time more public studies will become available.
Although this product is widely promoted and controversial, I believe many will adopt it. I just hope it never becomes mandatory and that it remains up to each farmer to decide whether they want to use it or not.
With warm thoughts,
Dani