Bovaer®10: Your questions answered
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) invests in scientific research and development projects to ensure consumers have access to high quality, safe red meat that is not only good for them but is also produced sustainably with a focus on animal welfare.
In partnership with several industry organisations and universities, MLA has spent more than $1 million investigating Bovaer®10 – a feed additive developed to reduce methane emissions from ruminant animals – across three research projects.
To date, all research on Bovaer®10 has confirmed that the product is safe for consumers, as well as handlers (when standard safety practices are adhered to). MLA has compiled some frequently asked questions on Bovaer®10 to address any concerns around the product.
Bovaer®10 is a novel feed additive developed to help reduce methane emissions from ruminant animals.
The development of Bovaer®10 by DSM is underpinned by more than a decade of research, with over 70 peer-reviewed scientific studies (DSM, 2024) that demonstrate a substantial reduction in methane production without affecting animal welfare, feed consumption or food safety. DSM is a world leader in science innovation and commercial supply of nutritional additives to global livestock production.
The product is currently authorised and available for sale in 68 markets globally.
In a cow's rumen, microbes help break down food. This releases hydrogen and carbon dioxide. An enzyme combines these gases to form methane.
Bovaer®10 is a feed supplement that suppresses the enzyme, so less methane gets generated. Just ¼ teaspoon in a cow’s daily feed of 15–20kg takes effect in as little as 30 minutes. As it acts, Bovaer®10 is safely broken down into compounds already naturally present in the rumen or normally present in the animal.
Source: DSM, 2024
The use of Bovaer®10 in animal nutrition has been found to be safe for consumers, and good for the environment and animal welfare. (EFSA Journal, 2021).
This was supported by an assessment by the UK’s Advisory Committee (Animal Feed and Feed Additives Joint Expert Group, 2023).
There are several peer-reviewed studies that support this:
- Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of 3-nitrooxypropanol (Bovaer® 10) for ruminants for milk production and reproduction (DSM Nutritional Products Ltd)
- 3-NOP: ADME studies in rats and ruminating animals
- 3-NOP: Mutagenicity and genotoxicity assessment
- Mode of action uncovered for the specific reduction of methane emissions from ruminants by the small molecule 3-nitrooxypropanol.
The product is also considered safe to handle when used according to standard safety instructions, in line with regular on-farm practices (e.g. wearing appropriate personal protective equipment). Bovaer®10’s product safety sheet provides clear guidelines to people handling the product and ensures safe use.
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is conducting research and development to support reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions from the red meat industry. MLA has invested $1 million across three Bovaer®10 research projects – however, Bovaer®10 is just one of several feed additives currently being evaluated the context of the Australian beef industry.
To date, MLA has observed methane reduction of 60–90% in feedlots and 15% for grazing animals.
MLA has consulted with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on all required approvals for research.
View the MLA research summaries:
- Reducing emissions of backgrounded cattle – combining Bovaer®10 with supplementation to reduce methane and increase productivity (2024)
- Effect of Bovaer®10 on performance, health, carcase characteristics and carbon footprint of Australian feedlot cattle (2024)
- Methane emissions of Australian feedlot cattle as influenced by 3-Nitrooxypropanol (Bovaer-10) (2022)
