European Union (EU) countries have approved a feed additive that combats methane emissions from livestock.
The additive, Bovaer, was developed by the Dutch company DSM and approved by the Standing Committee on Plant, Animals, Food and Feed, which brings together representatives of EU’s 27 member states and is chaired by a European Commission representative.
According to DSM, the additive reduces enteric methane emissions by approximately 30 percent for dairy cows and as much as 90 percent for beef cows. A scientific assessment by the EU’s food safety agency showed Bovaer reduced emissions in dairy cows and is not a concern for human safety and the environment.
“Cutting farming-related methane emissions is key in our fight against climate change, and today’s approval is a very telling example of what we can achieve through new agricultural innovations,” said Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides.
