The Dutch-Swiss company „DSM-Firmenich AG" (DSM), which markets the cattle feed additive „Bovaer“, has issued a statement addressing what the company says are recent untruths and misinformation in the public domain.

"DSM-Firmenich AG" claims that „Bovaer“ was launched 15 years ago and that Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, had no involvement in its development.

„With the recent announcement of Bovaer® trials in the UK, misinformation and misconceptions about the safety of the product have been raised (...) The UK and EU food safety authorities have approved Bovaer® “ and deem it safe to use and effective in reducing emissions, “ the company says in a statement

„Agrobite“ recalls that in recent days there has been a buzz in the world's media and social media about the feed additive „Bovaer“ being tested by the dairy cooperative „Arla“ on around 30 farms.

According to DSM, the additive reduces methane emissions by an average of 30% in dairy cows and 45% in beef cattle. The application rate is 1 gram of this additive per 20 kg of feed.  

There has been a wave of outrage on social media that Bill Gates has contributed to the development of Boaver, which has contributed to controversial climate change projects including this one. A number of celebrities around the world have reported via social media that „Boaver“ harms male fertility, including children.

In response to the uproar, the DSM has reacted, although B. Gates‘has not yet provided any information.

„If Bovaer® is used as recommended, it is fully metabolised by the cow and is not present in milk or meat, so the consumer is not exposed. It never enters the milk or meat, so it does not reach the consumer," explains the DSM.

The company adds that scientific studies have shown that Bovaer® does not pose a risk to the health of either consumers or livestock, and does not affect milk production or reproduction.

„Contrary to recent reports, Bovaer® is wholly developed and owned by "DSM-Firmenich AG" and has no other investors. Bill Gates‘is not involved in the creation of Bovaer®“, – the company emphasizes.

Interestingly, the „Bill & Melinda Gates“ fund does have some links to DSM. The foundation is conducting a joint research project with "DSM-Firmenich AG" to develop mosquito-repellent scents that can be coated on household items or clothing within 3 years, thereby reducing the number of malaria cases worldwide.

„We are currently focusing on soaps and washing powders, where our human-centred design principles can have the greatest impact. But it is likely that we will also apply fragrances to body lotion and body cream," explains DSM.