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SEAOAK's position on the use of Bovaer to inhibit methane emissions in cows

Writer's picture: Ebony GreavesEbony Greaves

Updated: Dec 12, 2024

Considering widespread negative press associated with Bovaer recently, the SEAOAK team would like to speak about our position on the use of Bovaer for inhibiting methane emissions in cows and other ruminant livestock. 

methane-reduction-seaoak

SEAOAK’s position on the use of Bovaer as a feed additive  

Our team understands climate science and the need for methane emissions reduction in the agriculture industry, however, we firmly believe that nature holds the answer to many of Earth’s biggest challenges including methane and we are passionate about leveraging Nature-based Solutions first and foremost to solve these challenges.


Innovation is necessary for large-scale climate mitigation, and so far, Bovaer has been deemed to be a safe and effective solution for reducing methane emissions in ruminant livestock. However, it is synthetic, and we believe there are alternative nature-based solutions that farmers and industry should continue to explore and trial.


Why is methane a problem and where does it come from 

Natural methane emissions come from the decomposition of organic matter in wetlands, rivers, and lakes. Human-derived methane emissions come from livestock farming, mining and extraction of gas and coal, rice paddies and organic food waste that ends up in landfill.  


As we attempt to reduce global warming, most of the focus has been on CO2 as the major human-produced greenhouse gas. Methane is the second most potent greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. It is 80 times more potent than CO2, however, it stays in the atmosphere for a shorter amount of time than CO2 and is broken down at a faster rate. 


The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports found that methane has been responsible for warming Earth’s temperature by 0.5 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, with the remaining 0.7 degrees Celsius attributed to human-derived CO2.  


The agriculture industry is the largest human-produced source of methane. It is not the cow itself but rather the microbes in its rumen that produce methane. Methane is produced when food is broken down in the rumen (stomach) of a cow by microbes. This process releases hydrogen and carbon dioxide, where the microbes in the rumen then combine the gases to produce methane. Essentially methane is released when a cow farts or burps!


What is Bovaer 

Bovaer is a synthetic feed additive that helps to reduce methane emissions from cows. It works by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for methane production in cows and the components are silicon dioxide, propylene glycol (a common food stabiliser) and 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP). 3-NOP is the primary active ingredient in Bovaer and works by stopping the microbial enzymes that perform the final step of methane synthesis in the cow’s rumen. Bovaer is prohibited for use in certified organic farming.


What does the science and research say about Bovaer and 3-NOP

Meat and Livestock Australia recently spent more than $1 million investigating Bovaer (active ingredient 3-NOP) as a feed additive for reducing methane emissions from ruminant animals. Here is a summary of what our team found after reading the science provided by MLA and other international studies: 

  • 3-NOP was found to be safe for use in small doses, however, farmers should take precaution to reduce exposure when handling the feed additive (as is required of all agricultural chemicals)

  • To date, global trials and research on Bovaer have found it safe for human consumption. This is because 3-NOP does not enter the milk or meat that humans consume, and the active ingredient is broken down and fully metabolised in the cow’s rumen 

  • To date, no studies have shown adverse effects on the health of the cattle consuming Bovaer

  • 3-NOP is not genotoxic or mutagenic, meaning it can’t damage DNA 

  • 3-NOP has been developed and tested over 15 years, it is not new

  • There are risks of small amounts of 3-NOP entering the environment, however, it is readily broken down in the environment 


Alternative solutions to Bovaer 

seaweed-methane-seaoak

Methane emissions reduction in the agriculture industry is a challenge that requires innovation. Globally as well as Australia, there has been a growing focus on research and trials into methane reduction in cattle and many of these are nature-based. These studies include:

  • Asparagopsis seaweed 

  • Nitrate 

  • Saponins

  • Plant based essential oils 

  • Cattle wearable devices 

  • Genetic breeding for improved feed conversion efficiency 


Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you would like to discuss anything in this blog. 


Ebony Greaves - Chief Executive Officer


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SEAOAK Consulting acknowledges the traditional owners of the land in which our office is located and we pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise the ancient and on-going presence of the Dhudhuroa on this Country and acknowledge their unique and continuing connection to the lands, waters and culture of this region.

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