Thursday, 14 December 2023 11:55

Hope for Bovaer

Written by Milking It

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OPINION: On tackling methane emissions, global animal health giant DSM will be hoping for a more sympathetic reception from the new Government when it comes to Bovaer, its feed additive that reduces methane emissions in livestock.

While DSM recently received approval from the Environmental Protection Authority that Bovaer can be used as a feed additive, it’s registration still hasn’t been confirmed. At the same time Bovaer has been registered and sold by DSM in many countries including Australia.

The previous Government has come under criticism from farming leaders for the delay in approving Bovaer.

According to the EPA, DSM applied in 2021 to import or manufacture a substance (Bovaer) containing 10-25% of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) – a chemical that is new to New Zealand.

DSM says 3-NOP can reduce methane emissions from ruminant animals, including cows, sheep and goats, by 30%.

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