Bill Gates Faces Misinformation Over Bovaer Cow Feed Additive
Source: DairyNews.today
A surge of misinformation has wrongly linked Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to Bovaer, a methane-reducing animal feed additive, fueling online conspiracy theories. The false claims have sparked backlash against dairy giant Arla, which is trialing the feed in the U.K., and have led to calls for boycotts.
Bovaer, developed by Dutch-Swiss company DSM, is designed to reduce methane emissions from livestock, a significant contributor to global warming. The feed additive has been shown to cut methane emissions by up to 30% in dairy cows and 45% in beef cattle, according to DSM.
Despite widespread online rumors connecting Gates to Bovaer, the billionaire has no direct ties to the product. While Gates has invested in a competing methane-reducing feed additive through the company Rumin8, the misinformation campaign wrongly claims that Gates is linked to Bovaer, which was approved for use in the U.K. earlier this year.
These rumors have intensified amid Gates’ advocacy for climate action and his support for innovations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In his book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, Gates mentions Bovaer’s potential to reduce methane emissions in cattle, but he does not endorse the product specifically.
The online claims have led to calls for boycotts of Arla products, with some social media users citing unsubstantiated health concerns about the additive, including potential risks to male fertility. However, both DSM and Arla have repeatedly stated that Bovaer has been rigorously tested and found safe. Arla, in particular, emphasized that the additive does not affect the milk produced by treated cows.
In a statement, Arla clarified that the misinformation surrounding Bill Gates' involvement with the product is "completely false" and that Bovaer has been approved by regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority and the U.K. Food Standards Agency. The company stressed that consumer and animal health is a top priority and that Bovaer has been safely used in Europe without impacting milk production or quality.
Despite the misinformation campaign, Bovaer’s effectiveness and safety are backed by extensive scientific research. DSM, the manufacturer, notes that the additive has been authorized for sale in over 55 countries, including the EU, U.K., Canada, and Australia.
The false claims targeting Gates appear to be part of a broader online conspiracy theory ecosystem that often focuses on his environmental and philanthropic efforts. Gates has not publicly addressed the recent misinformation but has previously discussed the importance of reducing methane emissions as part of global climate strategy. Through his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, he has supported numerous climate-focused projects, including initiatives in agriculture.
Bovaer, which has been shown to reduce methane emissions significantly in livestock, is positioned as a key part of the solution to the environmental impact of livestock farming. As the product continues to be tested and rolled out in various markets, it faces continued scrutiny from both supporters and detractors, with misinformation campaigns complicating its acceptance in some quarters.
Despite widespread online rumors connecting Gates to Bovaer, the billionaire has no direct ties to the product. While Gates has invested in a competing methane-reducing feed additive through the company Rumin8, the misinformation campaign wrongly claims that Gates is linked to Bovaer, which was approved for use in the U.K. earlier this year.
These rumors have intensified amid Gates’ advocacy for climate action and his support for innovations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In his book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, Gates mentions Bovaer’s potential to reduce methane emissions in cattle, but he does not endorse the product specifically.
The online claims have led to calls for boycotts of Arla products, with some social media users citing unsubstantiated health concerns about the additive, including potential risks to male fertility. However, both DSM and Arla have repeatedly stated that Bovaer has been rigorously tested and found safe. Arla, in particular, emphasized that the additive does not affect the milk produced by treated cows.
In a statement, Arla clarified that the misinformation surrounding Bill Gates' involvement with the product is "completely false" and that Bovaer has been approved by regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority and the U.K. Food Standards Agency. The company stressed that consumer and animal health is a top priority and that Bovaer has been safely used in Europe without impacting milk production or quality.
Despite the misinformation campaign, Bovaer’s effectiveness and safety are backed by extensive scientific research. DSM, the manufacturer, notes that the additive has been authorized for sale in over 55 countries, including the EU, U.K., Canada, and Australia.
The false claims targeting Gates appear to be part of a broader online conspiracy theory ecosystem that often focuses on his environmental and philanthropic efforts. Gates has not publicly addressed the recent misinformation but has previously discussed the importance of reducing methane emissions as part of global climate strategy. Through his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, he has supported numerous climate-focused projects, including initiatives in agriculture.
Bovaer, which has been shown to reduce methane emissions significantly in livestock, is positioned as a key part of the solution to the environmental impact of livestock farming. As the product continues to be tested and rolled out in various markets, it faces continued scrutiny from both supporters and detractors, with misinformation campaigns complicating its acceptance in some quarters.
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