THE growing global controversy surrounding feed additive Bovaer has prompted Meat & Livestock Australia managing director Michael Crowley to publicly step into the debate.
Growing consumer backlash here and overseas, fuelled by social media, has raised claims the additive is bad for human health.
Bovaer works to suppress the enzymes in a cow’s stomach which create gas and experts say when the additive is used as recommended it breaks down in the cow’s digestive system and as such is not found in milk or meat.
According to DSM-Firmenich, the additive is available for sale in 68 countries.
Mr Crowley said customers could rest assured their favourite beef was safe to consume as Bovaer10 does not pass into meat products.
He said MLA undertook scientific research and development studies to ensure Australian consumers had access to high-quality, safe red meat that was good for them and produced sustainably.
“MLA has spent more than $1 million studying Bovaer10 in three projects in partnership with industry and universities,” Mr Crowley said.
“And we are currently undertaking two further research projects to the value of $8.1 million.”
MLA found Bovaer10 can have a big impact on reducing methane emissions.
Adding less than a quarter of a teaspoon to 15 to 20 kilograms of cattle feed could reduce methane emissions by between 60 and 90 per cent.
Methane can be much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and is helping drive climate change.
Cows produce it when their stomachs are breaking down hard fibres like grass for digestion. This fermentation process creates methane gas which is then mostly belched out again.
