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| - Last Updated on December 4, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media video claims that Bovaer harms health and the environment. We did the fact check and termed it as mostly false.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims that Bovaer feed additive:
- Causes side effects like skin irritation, breathing issues, and male infertility.
- Poses potential DNA damage risks leading to cancers and birth defects.
- Affects crops grown using manure from cattle fed Bovaer.
- Is untested and potentially dangerous for human and environmental health.
Fact Check
Why do cows produce methane, and why is it important to reduce it?
Cows produce methane because of the way they digest food. They have a special stomach called the rumen, where tiny microbes break down the grass and other plants they eat. During this process, methane gas is made, which the cows release into the air mostly by burping.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. It traps heat in the atmosphere much more than carbon dioxide, making it a big cause of climate change. Since cows are a major source of methane, reducing the amount they release can help slow down global warming and protect our planet.
Does Bovaer pose health risks to humans?
No, current evidence does not support this claim. Bovaer is primarily used to reduce methane emissions in cattle by inhibiting an enzyme in their digestive systems. Its active ingredient, 3-NOP (3-nitrooxypropanol), has undergone rigorous safety assessments by regulatory agencies, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Studies show that Bovaer does not accumulate in milk or meat, ensuring its safety for human consumption.
Side effects, such as skin irritation or breathing difficulties, are occupational hazards during manufacturing or handling concentrated forms of the additive. Proper safety protocols, including personal protective equipment (PPE), address these concerns. For consumers, these risks are irrelevant as the additive does not persist in animal products.
Can Bovaer cause male infertility or DNA damage?
No, this claim is misleading. There is no evidence linking Bovaer to male infertility or DNA damage. The references cited in the post do not directly associate 3-NOP with genotoxicity, infertility, or birth defects in humans. Instead, these stem from speculative concerns rather than validated scientific research.
Regulatory reviews consistently conclude that Bovaer is safe for use within prescribed limits, with no adverse effects on animal health, human consumers, or the environment.
Is manure from treated cattle unsafe for crops?
No, manure from cattle fed Bovaer is not harmful to crops. Studies evaluating the environmental impact of Bovaer have found that its active ingredient breaks down quickly and does not persist in the environment. Its degradation products do not affect soil health, plant growth, or groundwater. Manure continues to serve as an effective natural fertiliser, maintaining agricultural sustainability.
Is Bovaer insufficiently tested?
No, this claim is inaccurate. Bovaer has undergone extensive testing in multiple countries, and reputable authorities, including EFSA and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have reviewed it. Research spanning over a decade confirms its efficacy in reducing enteric methane emissions without compromising food safety .
The trial involving 30 UK farmers is part of ongoing efforts to validate its benefits under real-world conditions. Such trials are a standard process in adopting new agricultural technologies and do not imply uncertainty about the additive’s safety.
The recent claims are incorrect—dsm-firmenich owns Bovaer and has no connection to Bill Gates or external investors.
Bill Gates has been the subject of several conspiracy theories, including claims that he spoke about mass depopulating the world. Some suggest that the video of Bill Gates was erased from the internet, but this isn’t true—it is still accessible. Another popular claim suggests that Bill Gates invented a wireless birth control chip, which is also false.
THIP Media Take
The claims about Bovaer’s harmful effects are mostly false. Bovaer underwent extensive testing and proved safe for animals, humans, and the environment. Allegations of infertility, DNA damage, or risks to crops lack scientific support. Regulatory reviews confirm that Bovaer is a promising solution for reducing methane emissions from cattle without compromising food or environmental safety.
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