Revolutionary Feed Additive Bovaer® Promises to Transform Dairy Farming with Methane Reduction

FDA Greenlights Bovaer® for U.S. Dairy Industry

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finished its thorough review of Bovaer®, a groundbreaking methane-reducing feed ingredient developed by Elanco Animal Health. This significant milestone means Bovaer® is now approved for use in lactating dairy cows, marking a major step towards more sustainable dairy farming.

The Science Behind Bovaer®

Bovaer® works by inhibiting an enzyme in the cow's rumen, which is responsible for methane production. By feeding just one tablespoon of Bovaer® per lactating cow each day, farmers can reduce methane emissions by around 30%, translating to a reduction of about 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per cow annually.

Environmental Impact and Benefits

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its reduction is crucial for meeting climate goals. Bovaer® helps in mitigating enteric methane, which is naturally produced by cows through digestion. By using Bovaer®, dairy farmers can make substantial contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

Economic Incentives for Farmers

In addition to its environmental benefits, Bovaer® offers economic incentives for dairy farmers. The reduction in methane emissions can contribute to carbon credits, providing farmers with a new revenue stream. Farmers could potentially earn $20 or more per lactating cow annually by incorporating Bovaer® into their cattle's diet.

Global and North American Expansion

Elanco has also expanded its agreement with dsm-firmenich to market Bovaer® across North America, including Canada and Mexico, where the product is already available. This expansion aims to make climate-neutral cattle farming a reality in North America within the decade.

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainability

Elanco and dsm-firmenich are collaborating to supply the initial quantities of Bovaer® from Europe. This partnership highlights the global interest and potential in Bovaer® as a solution for sustainable cattle farming.

Funding and Support

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $89 million in funding to support farms using technologies like Bovaer® to reduce their methane emissions. This funding underscores the federal commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Farmers' Positive Reception

Farmers who have used tools like UpLook™ by Elanco to quantify their greenhouse gas reductions express their enthusiasm for Bovaer®. They see it as a value-creating opportunity that aligns with consumer demand for lower-carbon footprint foods.

Future Prospects

Elanco's commitment to animal health and sustainability is evident in their innovative approach. Bovaer® is poised to accelerate livestock sustainability, making it the next billion-dollar market in animal health.

Conclusion

Bovaer® represents a significant advancement in sustainable dairy farming, offering both environmental and economic benefits. With its FDA approval and expanding reach across North America, Bovaer® promises to be a transformative tool for the dairy industry, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support farmers financially.