The FDA Approves Feed Ingredient to Reduce Methane Emissions

The FDA approved a feed ingredient from Elanco Animal Health that reportedly reduces methane emissions from lactating cows by 30%. Agriculture produces roughly 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Methane accounts for 40% of this total.

Elanco Animal Health plans to offer the feed ingredient Bovaer for sale in the third quarter of this year. The company claims producers could use carbon contracts to offset the cost of the ingredient, which can be used in beef and dairy cattle.

Bovaer suppresses the enzyme that produces methane in a cow’s rumen. One tablespoon of Boaver per day in feed for a lactating cow may reduce emissions by 30%. Engaging in voluntary carbon markets and securing USDA and state programming may provide producers with enhanced revenue potential.

Read here to learn more about reducing methane emissions with an FDA-approved feed ingredient.