UK authorities have granted approval for a methane-reducing feed additive, which is currently being utilised in 57 other countries.

DSM-Firmenich, a Dutch-Swiss company specialising in health and nutrition, has obtained market authorisation for its product Bovaer.

The feed additive has demonstrated the capability of decreasing methane emissions from cattle, showcasing an average reduction of 30% in dairy cows, according to the company.

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DSM approximates that by using Bovaer, Scope 3 emissions in dairy can drop with 10-15% CO2 equivalents per litre of milk.

This approval marks the first feed additive designed for environmental benefits to be granted permission for use in the UK.

Vice president at DSM-Firmenich, Mark Van Nieuwland said: “We are excited about gaining another market authorisation this year.

“Personally, I’m exceptionally delighted, as we are building a world scale production plant for Bovaer in the UK to help support global sales.

“Construction on the new plant is well underway in Dalry, Scotland to become operational in the course of 2025.”

The company’s objective is to introduce Bovaer to the UK dairy sector early this year.