What exactly is Bovaer 10?
Bovaer 10 has recently had a lot of publicity. It is a new, novel feed additive that works by inhibiting an enzyme in a cow's stomach. It has been developed to reduce methane production in ruminant animals such as cattle during digestion. It has been designed for cattle raised in intensive feedlot systems designed for mass production of beef, where methane emissions are higher due to grain-heavy diets.
Bovaer 10 consists of silicon dioxide, propylene and the active compound 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) otherwise known as DSM073738. It has been developed by the state-owned Dutch chemical company dsm-firmenich. Bovaer is authorized and available for sale in over 65+ countries, including the EU/EEA, Australia, USA, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Pakistan, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, South Korea and Japan.
It works by stopping the bacteria in cows’ stomachs that generate methane from producing methane. The methane cows and sheep produce, is not from the animals themselves, but from microbes that live in their digestive systems. In a cow's rumen, microbes help break down food. This releases hydrogen and carbon dioxide. An enzyme combines these gases to form methane. 3-NOP, which is the active ingredient in Bovaer 10 stops the enzymes that are responsible for the final step of methane synthesis in these microbes.
Bovaer10 is utilized as a feed supplement that suppresses the enzyme, so less methane is generated
Why is Bovaer 10 being used in Australian Cattle Production?
Results from the Australian trials into Bovaer 10, backed up overseas studies, which showed that it works by suppressing the enzyme that triggers methane production in a cow and is broken down in the digestive process of the animal. The supplement is being used by certified carbon neutral beef suppliers in their feed program. You may potentially find it in meat products that are labelled "Carbon-Neutral."
A leading retail chain in Australia has just announced they are expanding the use of Bovaer 10, following two recent trials which found the product reduced cattle methane emissions.
It will be used in their Finest Carbon Neutral Beef range as a result of their partnership with the state-owned Dutch chemical company dsm-firmenich.
In Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has conducted 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.
What are the risks of Bovaer 10?
Research in rats and cows found that doses of 300–500 mg per kg of body weight resulted in ovarian and testicular shrinkage.
At a dose of 300 mg per kg of body weight, researchers found benign tumours in the small intestines of female rats, but not male rats, after 2 years of daily consumption. At a 100 mg of 3-NOP per kg of body weight, no tumours were seen.
Supporters of the use of Bovaer 10 claim that the high, harmful levels of the chemical are not being fed to cattle. Plus, they add that it is being metabolized in the cow’s gut and not passed on to humans.
Critics of Bovaer 10 claim that it is difficult to control just how much will be fed to cattle, as it forms part of their feed and is not administered directly. Plus, many believe, that longer term safety studies are essential and required before launching such a new product to market that is a new chemical never previously used in our food system.
It should be noted that Bovaer 10 is such a strong chemical that farmers and industrial workers are formally instructed to wear personal protective equipment to reduce exposure to Bovaer 10.
Additionally, although Bovaer 10 has been extensively tested over months of exposure to cattle with no adverse effects, many do not believe this is nearly long enough for such a novel new ingredient to have widespread use where humans are consuming it.
Has there been controversy outside of Australia?
In the US, a letter from the FDA (Food & Drug Agency) to the Director of Global Nutritional Health Regulatory, Dr. G. Allen Bridges, confirmed that while Bovaer “is a drug,” the agency chose to “refrain” from putting the drug through the more rigorous animal drug approval process, instead classifying it simply as a feed supplement.
The FDA animal drug approval process is more comprehensive and rigorous than the process for animal feed supplements, requiring extensive safety and efficacy testing, longer review periods, and stricter regulatory oversight compared to the simpler, often self-determined safety assessments for many feed supplements.
The FDA letter confirmed that Bovaer 10 is “not for human use” because it “may damage male fertility and reproductive organs, is potentially harmful when inhaled, and is a skin and eye irritant.”
A comprehensive analysis completed by New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed a carcinogenicity study found “tumours in female rats which could be due to 3-NOP treatment and to demonstrate carcinogenic potential.”
Additionally, the New Zealand EPA document also confirmed 16.82% of the administered dose of Bovaer was excreted via cows’ milk during the study period in dairy cattle.
Why we don’t use Bovaer 10 or alternatives such as Rumin8?
At Stockman Steaks, our cattle graze freely on open pastures, consuming natural grasses. This approach promotes healthier animals and doesn't rely on synthetic additives to modify natural processes.
Methane emissions from pasture-raised cattle are a natural part of the ecosystem and are balanced by healthy soils. As our cattle graze, they stimulate plant growth, enhance soil biodiversity and contribute to carbon sequestrations. This process locks carbon into the soil, offsetting emissions and creating a sustainable cycle.
We also do not use Rumin8, which is a seaweed based alternative being fed to cattle that has been developed in Australia. It is also designed to reduce methane emissions.
Our pasture-raised model supports not just the environment and the soil but also the integrity of our beef. It's a win-win for the planet and your plate.
We strongly urge that as Bovaer 10 gathers widespread use, public health advocates and regulatory agencies weigh up the perceived environmental benefits against the cost of consumer safety.
At Stockman Steaks, we believe in making choices that matter for us, the cattle, and the environment. Which is why all of our beef is Bovaer 10 free, Rumin8 free and free of all additives so that it is raised just as nature intended.
About the Author
Steven Hines is one of the owners and founders of Stockman Steaks. His family has been in the meat business for over 5 decades and 3 generations. He has a passion for eating great quality meat and researching the health benefits behind it.
