Critics are pointing to findings from a Japanese study that suggest potential negative impacts on male fertility, as well as skepticism over the safety assurances provided by its manufacturer.
Bovaer, developed by DSM-Firmenich, is marketed as a breakthrough solution to “reduce methane emissions from cattle” by up to 30%. However, a study by Japan’s Food Safety Commission raised concerns, reporting a reduction in testicular weight, sperm count, and sperm motility in animal trials involving the additive. These findings have fuelled criticism from politicians, farmers, and activists, who are questioning the safety of Bovaer for both animals and humans.
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Former Australian MP Craig Kelly has been particularly vocal, sharing the Japanese study results and criticising retailers like Coles for stocking beef linked to Bovaer-fed cattle. Kelly also highlighted disclaimers from Bovaer’s manufacturer, which limits liability and provides no guarantees of the product’s safety or effectiveness.
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Former Australian MP Craig Kelly has been particularly vocal, sharing the Japanese study results and criticising retailers like Coles for stocking beef linked to Bovaer-fed cattle. Kelly also highlighted disclaimers from Bovaer’s manufacturer, which limits liability and provides no guarantees of the product’s safety or effectiveness.
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Queensland Libertarian Party candidate Jim Wilmott echoed the concerns, stating, “My cows don’t want a Bovaer supplement. Any product with warnings about reproductive harm has no place in our food chain.”
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Proponents of Bovaer argue that its benefits in reducing agricultural methane are crucial in the fight against so-called “climate change”. Methane from cattle is said to account for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture, and supporters believe the additive represents a viable step toward sustainable farming.
However, the debate is not limited to health concerns. Critics also target the influence of major investors like BlackRock and Vanguard, fuelling concerns about corporate agendas and the push for environmental solutions.
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In New Zealand Fonterra has been working with DSM to explore the application of Bovaer in its pasture-based farming systems. A 2022 press release highlighted Fonterra’s commitment to reducing “on-farm greenhouse gas emissions”, describing its collaboration with DSM as part of a broader strategy to align with evolving consumer preferences and environmental goals.
Fonterra’s Chief Innovation and Brand Officer, Komal Mistry-Mehta, emphasised the importance of balancing innovation with safety, stating, “Dairy nutrition will always be our core strength… At the same time, we are conscious that preferences of some consumers are evolving.”
While New Zealand continues to evaluate Bovaer in controlled trials, critics in Australia are demanding transparency and labelling on beef products derived from Bovaer-fed cattle. This, they argue, would allow consumers to make informed choices.
As of December 2024, Bovaer has received approval from New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for importation and manufacturing “with controls”. However, its commercial use in livestock feed within the country is pending further regulatory clearance.
Despite the EPA’s approval, Bovaer requires registration under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act, overseen by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), before it can be used in animal feed. As of now, DSM-Firmenich has not submitted an application for this registration. MPI Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle noted that the product is primarily used in housed feeding systems overseas, which differ from New Zealand’s predominantly pasture-based farming practices.
Bovaer has been approved for use in over 55 countries, including Australia, the United States, and members of the European Union.
While Bovaer has cleared initial regulatory hurdles in New Zealand, its use in livestock feed awaits further approval from MPI. The outcome of this process will significantly impact the country’s agricultural strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As the controversy unfolds, the future of Bovaer in Australian agriculture remains uncertain. While its potential to combat climate change is lauded by environmental advocates, concerns over safety and corporate transparency cast a shadow over its adoption. For now, the divide between proponents and detractors highlights the complexities of balancing sustainability with public trust in food production systems.
The amount of Australian beef sold in New Zealand supermarkets varies. The amount of Australian beef sold in New Zealand supermarkets can vary depending on supply and demand. For example, in 2013 2% of beef in New Zealand supermarkets was Australian made. In 2024, New Zealand imported nearly 2,000 tonnes of Australian beef from July to September, the largest volume in over a decade. This was due to low availability of killable prime cattle in New Zealand, which drove up prices.
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Daily Telegraph New Zealand (DTNZ) is an independent news website, first published in October 2021. - where this article was sourced.
3 comments:
Sounds like creating another problem instead of letting nature take its’s course. Just leave our food sources alone. Climate change is still evolving and will for ever. Stop wasting time and money trying to control the inevitable.
Stuff the Methane debate where you want . Say NO to Bovaer and make NZ a point of difference for quality food production.
@Basil Walker
Exactly. 100% Pure New Zealand?
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