BBC Inside Science Fact-checking the Bovaer backlash
47 snips
Jan 2, 2025 Public protests erupt over Bovaer, a cow feed additive designed to cut methane emissions, with viral videos showing discarded dairy products. Experts dissect the science behind methane production in ruminants and the effectiveness of Bovaer amidst safety debates. Meanwhile, billionaire ambitions for space colonization raise questions about solving Earth's environmental challenges. Discussions on failed UN negotiations highlight the plastic waste crisis, while orcas amusingly sport salmon hats, signaling complex concerns for both the whales and their food supply.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Milk Protests
- Some social media users protested a cow feed additive by pouring milk down drains.
- Videos with millions of views cited Arla Foods, who are trialing the supplement.
Methane Production in Cows
- Cows produce methane naturally as microbes in their rumen break down feed, converting hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
- This is a significant environmental problem, as methane has a stronger greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide.
Bovia's Mechanism
- Bovaer inhibits the final step of methane production in cows, reducing it by 25%.
- It was developed using computational techniques targeting the specific enzyme involved.
