3-Nitrooxypropanol

DSM has patented and commercialized 3-NOP as a methane inhibitor for production animals under the brand name Bovaer, a feed additive.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dsm-firmenich.com/en/home.html|title=Home|website=@dsm-firmenich}} The formulation consists of silicon dioxide (60% w/w), propylene glycol, and 3-nitrooxypropanol (10% w/w).{{Cite web |title=CVM File: G-150438 |website=Food and Drug Administration |url=https://www.fda.gov/media/178913/download?attachment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529231000/https://www.fda.gov/media/178913/download?attachment|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 29, 2024}}

The development of Bovaer began in 2010 as part of the Clean Cow project initiated by DSM-Firmenich. This project aimed to address methane emissions from livestock, which are a major source of greenhouse gases. According to Maik Kindermann, head of research and development for the Bovaer project, the research commenced in 2008 with a focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind methane formation in ruminants.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dairyherd.com/news/education/what-can-we-really-expect-elancos-new-bovaerr|title=What Can We Really Expect from Elanco's New Bovaer®?|work=Dairy Herd |date=24 June 2024 |last1=Hanson |first1=Maureen }}

The first successful trials were conducted in 2010 and over 40 trials were conducted to ensure efficacy and safety across different cattle diets and environments.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dairyherd.com/news/business/project-clean-cow|title=Project Clean Cow}}

In 2021, Bovaer received its first approvals for use in Brazil and Chile, followed by authorization from the European Union for dairy cattle in 2022. The product was subsequently approved for use in Canada in early 2024 and received FDA approval for the U.S. market in May 2024.

In April 2022, Elanco was granted exclusive licensing rights to develop and commercialize Bovaer in the United States.{{Cite web |title=Elanco and Royal DSM Announce Strategic Alliance in U.S. for Bovaer® – A Revolutionary, Methane-Reducing Feed Additive for Cattle {{!}} DSM |url=https://www.dsm.com/corporate/news/news-archive/2022/elanco-and-royal-dsm-announce-strategic-alliance-in-us-for-bovaer-27042022.html |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=@corporate}} In June 2023, Elanco requested a consultation with the U.S. FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine regarding Bovaer's drug status for use as a methane inhibitor in dairy cows. On May 24, 2024, the U.S. FDA concluded that Bovaer can lower methane production when used as labeled and poses a low risk to animals and humans under its sale conditions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that Bovaer meets safety and efficacy standards for use in lactating dairy cattle, stating that it does not negatively impact milk production or quality.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elanco.com/en-us/insights/elanco-announces-fda-has-completed-review-of-bovaer-first-in-class-methane-reducing-feed-ingredient-for-u-s-dairy-industry|title=Elanco Announces FDA Has Completed Review of Bovaer®, First-in-Class Methane-Reducing Feed Ingredient, for U.S. Dairy Industry|website=@Elanco}} Additionally, a scientific opinion by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that Bovaer is safe for dairy cows at the maximum recommended levels and poses no significant risk to consumer food safety or the environment.

3-NOP can be harmful if inhaled and is an irritant to the skin and eyes.{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2512549/boycott-calls-grow-over-arlas-bovaer-feed-trial-for-dairy-cows|title=Boycott calls grow over Arla's Bovaer feed trial for dairy cows|first=Pop Culture &|last=Art|date=November 28, 2024|website=The Express Tribune}} Although concerns have been raised claiming a lack of long-term studies,{{Cite web |title=Boycott calls grow over Arla's Bovaer feed trial for dairy cows |date=28 November 2024 |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2512549/boycott-calls-grow-over-arlas-bovaer-feed-trial-for-dairy-cows}} three such studies do in fact exist as of November 2021 and were taken into account by the EFSA's regulatory analysis.{{cite journal |last1=Bampidis |first1=Vasileios |last2=Azimonti |first2=Giovanna |last3=Bastos |first3=Maria de Lourdes |last4=Christensen |first4=Henrik |last5=Dusemund |first5=Birgit |last6=Fašmon Durjava |first6=Mojca |last7=Kouba |first7=Maryline |last8=López-Alonso |first8=Marta |last9=López Puente |first9=Secundino |last10=Marcon |first10=Francesca |last11=Mayo |first11=Baltasar |last12=Pechová |first12=Alena |last13=Petkova |first13=Mariana |last14=Ramos |first14=Fernando |last15=Sanz |first15=Yolanda |last16=Villa |first16=Roberto Edoardo |last17=Woutersen |first17=Ruud |last18=Aquilina |first18=Gabriele |last19=Bories |first19=Georges |last20=Brantom |first20=Paul George |last21=Gropp |first21=Jürgen |last22=Svensson |first22=Kettil |last23=Tosti |first23=Luca |last24=Anguita |first24=Montserrat |last25=Galobart |first25=Jaume |last26=Manini |first26=Paola |last27=Tarrès-Call |first27=Jordi |last28=Pizzo |first28=Fabiola |title=Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of 3-nitrooxypropanol (Bovaer® 10) for ruminants for milk production and reproduction (DSM Nutritional Products Ltd) |journal=EFSA Journal |date=November 2021 |volume=19 |issue=11 |pages=e06905 |doi=10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6905|pmid=34824644 |pmc=8603004 |hdl=2434/945136 |hdl-access=free }} Arla Foods has claimed that Bovaer will not affect milk quality or safety, as it does not transfer from cow to milk; this too is supported by the EFSA review.

3-NOP is metabolized very quickly into compounds that are naturally present in the rumen of cows.

In November 2024, Arla Foods announced a collaborative trial involving major UK retailers such as Morrisons, Tesco and Aldi to test Bovaer on approximately 30 farms in the UK.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newfoodmagazine.com/news/246090/arla-partners-with-retailers-to-trial-feed-additive-targeting-methane-emission-reduction/|title=Arla partners with retailers to tackle methane emissions from dairy cows|website=New Food Magazine}}

Despite the potential benefits, the trial has faced significant backlash from consumers who have called for a boycott of Arla's products, particularly Lurpak butter. Critics have expressed concerns over the safety and ethical implications of using additives like Bovaer in livestock feed, with some consumers mistakenly believing that the additive is included in the milk itself.{{Cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/environment/arla-foods-bovaer-trial-bill-gates-animal-feed-methane-b1196654.html|title=What is the Arla Foods Bovaer animal feed trial?|first=Jordan|last=Page|date=December 2, 2024|website=The Standard}}

Arla has defended the trial, asserting that Bovaer has been extensively tested and approved by regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the UK Food Standards Agency. The company insists that there will be no negative impact on animal health or milk quality during the trial.{{Cite news |title=Cow 'fart vaccine' backed by Bill Gates |newspaper=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/environment/0/cow-fart-vaccine-bill-gates/ |last1=Wright |first1=Ben }} In response to these challenges, Arla is actively seeking government support to facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices among farmers, highlighting that financial assistance could play a crucial role in transitioning to greener methods.

Bovaer aims to contribute to climate change mitigation by lowering enteric methane emissions from dairy cows. The feed additive, known scientifically as 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), has shown significant potential in reducing methane production in livestock. Studies indicate that feeding one tablespoon of Bovaer per lactating dairy cow per day can lead to a reduction of approximately 30% in methane emissions, which is equivalent to about 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per cow annually.{{Cite web |title=FDA Greenlights Bovaer: A Revolutionary Methane-Reducing Supplement for US Dairy Cattle Launching in 2024 |date=29 May 2024 |url=https://www.thebullvine.com/news/fda-greenlights-bovaer-a-revolutionary-methane-reducing-supplement-for-us-dairy-cattle-launching-in-2024/}}

A comprehensive study conducted in the Netherlands involving 150 dairy farms and over 20,000 cows demonstrated that Bovaer is more effective at higher dosages and when incorporated with corn in the cattle's diet. Additionally, trials in Italy reported methane reductions of up to 50% when Bovaer was administered daily to lactating cows. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that Bovaer is safe for use in dairy cattle, with no significant adverse effects on milk production, composition, or animal health observed during trials. Furthermore, the product has been approved for use in over 55 countries, including Brazil, Chile, and Canada, reflecting its global acceptance and potential impact on reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the use of Bovaer could provide financial incentives for farmers through participation in voluntary carbon markets and conservation programs, potentially yielding returns of $20 or more per lactating cow annually.{{Cite web |title=Bovaer is 'creating a self-sustaining carbon inset market for American agriculture' |date=8 July 2024 |url=https://agfundernews.com/bovaer-is-creating-a-self-sustaining-carbon-inset-market-for-american-agriculture-says-elanco}} According to Elanco’s VP of Livestock Sustainability, Katie Cook, about 50% of this return is expected to come from carbon marketplace participation through platforms like Athian or Truterra, which allows farmers to sell verified carbon credits generated by their methane reductions.

Moreover, government initiatives are also playing a crucial role. In the U.S., approximately $89 million in grants from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) has been allocated to support dairy producers implementing technologies like Bovaer to reduce methane emissions. This funding not only incentivizes farmers to adopt sustainable practices but also helps create a robust market for carbon credits as demand for lower-carbon foods rises globally.

While the primary focus of 3-NOP research has been on methane reduction, its effects on milk production metrics have also been studied. Some studies found that 3-NOP supplementation led to a tendency to decrease milk yield slightly, though this effect was not always observed.{{Cite journal |title=Long-term effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane and milk production |date=2024 |pmid=38395398 |last1=Van Gastelen |first1=S. |author2=Burgers EEA |last3=Dijkstra |first3=J. |last4=De Mol |first4=R. |last5=Muizelaar |first5=W. |last6=Walker |first6=N. |last7=Bannink |first7=A. |journal=Journal of Dairy Science |volume=107 |issue=8 |pages=5556–5573 |doi=10.3168/jds.2023-24198 |doi-access=free }} For instance, one study reported reductions in milk and energy-corrected milk (ECM) production by 12% and 9%, respectively, when cows were fed diets including 3-NOP.{{Cite journal |title=Effects of 3-NOP on milk production and composition |date=2024 |pmid=37690719 |url=https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(23)00625-2/fulltext |access-date=2024-12-01 |last1=Maigaard |first1=M. |last2=Weisbjerg |first2=M. R. |last3=Johansen |first3=M. |last4=Walker |first4=N. |last5=Ohlsson |first5=C. |last6=Lund |first6=P. |journal=Journal of Dairy Science |volume=107 |issue=1 |pages=220–241 |doi=10.3168/jds.2023-23420 |doi-access=free }} A meta-analysis found that increasing levels of 3-NOP led to higher concentrations of milk fat and protein without significantly affecting overall milk yield.{{cite journal |last1=Kebreab |first1=Ermias |last2=Bannink |first2=André |last3=Pressman |first3=Eleanor May |last4=Walker |first4=Nicola |last5=Karagiannis |first5=Alexios |last6=Gastelen |first6=Sanne van |last7=Dijkstra |first7=Jan |title=A meta-analysis of effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane production, yield, and intensity in dairy cattle |journal=Journal of Dairy Science |date=1 February 2023 |volume=106 |issue=2 |pages=927–936 |doi=10.3168/jds.2022-22211 |pmid=36494226 |pmc=9868067 |url=https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(22)00710-X/fulltext |language=English |issn=0022-0302}}

The introduction of 3-NOP has been associated with improved feed efficiency. Research indicates that cows supplemented with this compound exhibited better feed conversion rates, producing more milk fat or protein per unit of feed consumed. Specifically, feed efficiency improved by at least 4% across various studies.

Experimental studies indicate that 3-NOP is an effective feed additive for reducing methane emissions from dairy cows while maintaining or even enhancing certain aspects of milk production. Although some studies report a slight decrease in total milk yield, the increases in milk fat and protein concentrations suggest improved overall efficiency and quality of milk. The consistent findings across diverse trials support the potential for 3-NOP to play a significant role in sustainable dairy farming practices aimed at mitigating environmental impacts while optimizing production outcomes.{{Cite web |title=Feed supplement for dairy cows cuts their methane emission by about a quarter |url=https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/feed-supplement-dairy-cows-cuts-their-methane-emission-about-quarter |access-date=2024-12-01}}{{Cite web |title=Summary of scientific research on how 3-NOP effectively reduces enteric methane emissions |url=https://www.dsm.com/content/dam/dsm/corporate/en_US/documents/summary-scientific-papers-3nop-booklet.pdf |access-date=2024-12-01}}{{Cite journal |title=A meta-analysis of effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane emissions |date=2023 |pmid=36494226 |url=https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(22)00710-X/fulltext |access-date=2024-12-01 |last1=Kebreab |first1=E. |last2=Bannink |first2=A. |last3=Pressman |first3=E. M. |last4=Walker |first4=N. |last5=Karagiannis |first5=A. |last6=Van Gastelen |first6=S. |last7=Dijkstra |first7=J. |journal=Journal of Dairy Science |volume=106 |issue=2 |pages=927–936 |doi=10.3168/jds.2022-22211 |pmc=9868067 }}

The use of 3-nitrooxypropanol has been studied as a method to reduce enteric methane emissions from dairy cows. Enteric methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a significant contributor to agricultural emissions. Research indicates that the administration of 3-NOP can decrease methane emissions by approximately 30%, equivalent to a reduction of about 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per cow annually.{{Cite web |title=FDA Greenlights Bovaer: A Revolutionary Methane-Reducing Supplement for US Dairy Cattle Launching in 2024 |date=29 May 2024 |url=https://www.thebullvine.com/news/fda-greenlights-bovaer-a-revolutionary-methane-reducing-supplement-for-us-dairy-cattle-launching-in-2024/ |access-date=2024-12-01}}{{Cite news |title=What Can We Really Expect from Elanco's New Bovaer®? |work=Dairy Herd |date=24 June 2024 |url=https://www.dairyherd.com/news/education/what-can-we-really-expect-elancos-new-bovaerr |access-date=2024-12-01 |last1=Hanson |first1=Maureen }}

3-NOP has demonstrated efficacy in reducing methane emissions from dairy cows. In a study conducted at Penn State University, the addition of 3-NOP to the diet resulted in a 26% reduction in daily methane emissions, with similar findings reported across various trials. The compound works by inhibiting an enzyme crucial for methane synthesis in the rumen, thereby decreasing methane production without negatively impacting feed intake or overall lactational performance.

A meta-analysis encompassing data from multiple studies confirmed that 3-NOP supplementation leads to a 24% decrease in enteric methane emissions, with no adverse effects on dry matter intake (DMI) or milk yield observed.

In 2024, protests in the UK against the use of Bovaer have led some social media users to pour milk down sinks and toilets. An unfounded conspiracy theory circulated online, linking Bovaer to a supposed depopulation agenda involving Bill Gates. These unfounded claims have sparked backlash against Arla Foods, which is trialing Bovaer, and have prompted calls for product boycotts. Experts have clarified that Bovaer is safe and does not pose food safety risks, emphasizing that the claims linking Gates to Bovaer are false. Despite this, the conspiracy theories persist, complicating public acceptance of the additive and the potential benefits in combating climate change.{{cite news |title=Why misinformation about cow feed additive Bovaer prompted people to throw Arla milk away |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8rjdgre3vpo |work=www.bbc.com}}{{cite news |last1=Witherow |first1=Tom |title=How an Arla milk poison conspiracy theory spread like wildfire online |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/arla-bovaer-engineered-milk-conspiracy-hs70qm9xl |work=The Times|date=7 December 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Newkey-Burden |first1=Chas |last2=published |first2=The Week UK |title=Bovaer: the new dairy additive prompting boycotts and conspiracy theories |url=https://theweek.com/culture-life/food-drink/bovaer-the-new-dairy-additive-prompting-boycotts-and-conspiracy-theories |work=theweek |date=3 December 2024}} Reacting to concerns on social media Professor Alastair Hay, a professor emeritus of Environmental toxicology at the University of Leeds responded that "extensive tests on cancer risk indicate...that the doses approved presents no cancer risk," and that "the safety factor of some 170 between the dose at which some benign tumours were seen in rodents and the dose of the additive considered safe by the FSA. "Concluding that “Thus, there is no evidence to suggest that at the doses approved for use in animals that the additive is a risk to humans through consumption of milk.”{{Cite web |date=15 February 2025 |title= expert reaction to social media posts about cattle feed additive Bovaer |url=https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-social-media-posts-about-cattle-feed-additive-bovaer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214042105/https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-social-media-posts-about-cattle-feed-additive-bovaer/ |archive-date=14 February 2025 |access-date=14 February 2025 |website=sciencemediacentre.org |quote="“The extensive tests on cancer risk indicate that the chemical additive does not damage DNA, is not genotoxic in other words, and that at the doses approved presents no cancer risk. In cancer studies in rodents the chemical was noted to be associated with some benign changes in mesenchymal cells in a few male animals tested (mesenchymal cells are found in many tissues and can be converted to connective tissue, lymphatic tissue, bone or cartilage). However, there is a safety factor of some 170 between the dose at which some benign tumours were seen in rodents and the dose of the additive considered safe by the FSA."}}

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