JBS SA, the world’s largest meat-packing company, has announced it will be using a feed additive that reduces cattle burps by 30 to 60 per cent as part of its commitment to reduce emissions across its global supply chains.
JBS said it aims to be carbon neutral by 2040.
The additive is made by DSM of the Netherlands and last month gained regulatory approval from Brazil and Chile.
DSM developed Bovaer after 10 years of research and 45 on-farm trials in 13 countries.
JBS said it would initially give the additive to confined cattle, followed in six months by a test in a second market such as Australia or the United States, according to Reuters news agency.
DSM said a quarter teaspoon of the additive per cow per day consistently reduces burped methane emission by about 30 per cent for dairy cows and up to 90 per cent for beef cattle.
The additive takes effect immediately, breaking down methane into compounds already naturally present in the cow's stomach, the company said.
