Bovaer® methane-reducing feed additive
Bovaer® (3-NOP) is a first-in-class feed supplement reducing enteric methane by avg. 30% in dairy and up to 45% in beef cattle, at 1/4 teaspoon/cow/day, effective within 30 minutes. Approved in 65+ countries with 80+ peer-reviewed publications.
Overview
Cattle produce methane through enteric fermentation — rumen microbes convert hydrogen and CO₂ to methane via methanogenic archaea. Bovaer (3-nitrooxypropanol) temporarily inactivates the methyl-coenzyme M reductase enzyme in the final methanogenesis step, reducing methane output without affecting digestion, health, milk production, or meat quality. Tested in 130+ farm trials across 20+ countries. FDA reviewed and determined Bovaer meets safety and efficacy requirements for lactating dairy. Elanco handles US market launch.
Technical specifications
- Active ingredient: 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP)
- Mechanism: temporarily inactivates methyl-coenzyme M reductase in rumen methanogenesis
- Methane reduction: average 30% in dairy cattle; up to 45% in feedlot beef
- Dose: approximately 1/4 teaspoon per cow per day
- Onset: effective within 30 minutes of first feeding
- Safety: no effect on animal health, milk production, milk composition, or meat quality
- Evidence: 130+ farm trials, 20+ countries, 80+ peer-reviewed publications
- Regulatory: FDA reviewed (US), EU approved, commercially available in 65+ countries
- US distribution: Elanco Animal Health (strategic partner)
- Manufacturing: new facility at Dalry, Scotland expanding global capacity
Technology readiness level
TRL 9 — commercially available in 65+ countries with the most extensive evidence base of any methane-reduction feed technology.
About DSM-Firmenich
DSM-Firmenich is a global science company resulting from a merger of DSM (a nutrition and materials leader) and Firmenich (a flavors and fragrance leader). In animal nutrition, DSM-Firmenich develops additives and solutions to improve feed efficiency and sustainability.
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