Subscribe for free to the America First Report newsletter.
- Cows raised in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) produce substantial amounts of methane
- Bovaer, a feed additive designed to reduce methane production in cows, has been introduced as a solution, but it lacks sufficient long-term safety testing for both animals and humans
- Concerns exist that Bovaer disrupts the delicate balance of microbes within a cow’s rumen, leading to digestive issues and other adverse health effects over time
- A methane vaccine for cattle is also under development, but critics worry about the unintended consequences of altering the natural microbial ecosystem within the cow’s digestive system
- Regenerative agriculture, which emphasizes managed grazing and soil health, presents a more holistic and sustainable approach to mitigating methane emissions while improving overall ecosystem health
(Mercola)—Cows, along with other livestock, produce significant amounts of methane gas when raised in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). These large-scale operations concentrate methane emissions, exacerbating their impact on the environment. Scientists are exploring various solutions to this problem, including a new drug called Bovaer.
This drug, when added to cow feed, has been shown to reduce the amount of methane cows produce,1 although a meta-analysis found a range of results.2 Focusing on a drug like Bovaer is a shortsighted approach to a complex problem, however. Critics point out that Bovaer merely masks the symptoms of a larger issue: unsustainable industrial farming practices.3
Further, a key question looms over this seemingly promising solution: Is Bovaer safe? While the drug’s ability to reduce methane is being heavily promoted, its long-term safety for cows, the environment and the humans who consume milk and meat from treated cows is unknown.
A Closer Look Inside a Cow’s Stomach
To understand how cows produce methane, let’s take a simplified look inside their stomachs. Cows have a unique digestive system with four stomach chambers. The first and largest chamber is called the rumen. Think of the rumen as a giant fermentation vat. It’s a dark, warm and moist environment, perfect for microbes.
The rumen is packed with billions of tiny organisms, collectively called microbes. These microbes are essential for cows because they help break down the tough plant material that cows eat, like grass and hay. Cows, unlike humans, can’t digest these materials on their own. It would be like us trying to eat a tree branch — we simply don’t have the right tools for the job.
Among these helpful microbes are some that scientists consider “bad” in terms of environmental impact. These are called methanogens. As they break down plant material, methanogens produce methane as a waste product. This methane is then released into the atmosphere, mostly through cow burps.
Imagine the rumen as a tiny factory inside the cow’s stomach. The workers in this factory are the microbes. Some workers are responsible for breaking down the tough plant material, while others, the methanogens, produce methane as a byproduct of their work. This methane is like the factory’s exhaust — an unwanted waste product that pollutes the environment, particularly when large numbers of cattle are raised in close proximity.
The Missing Pieces in Bovaer’s Safety Profile
Bovaer, also known as 3-nitrooxypropanol or 3-NOP, is a feed additive to reduce the amount of methane produced by cows. It’s a powder that’s mixed into their regular feed. The idea is that by adding Bovaer to their diet, farmers help cows produce less methane.
Bovaer works by targeting the methanogens in the cow’s rumen. It specifically inhibits, or blocks, the activity of these methane-producing microbes. Before any new drug or feed additive is released onto the market, however, it should undergo rigorous testing to make sure it’s safe. This is true for medicines for humans, as well as for products intended for animals.
Thorough safety testing takes a lot of time and resources. It often takes many years, even a decade or more, to complete all the necessary tests for a new drug. However, this process is necessary for protecting public health. While Bovaer has undergone some safety testing, many experts believe it’s not enough. Most of the studies conducted so far have focused on proving that Bovaer reduces methane emissions from cows.
Initial studies also suggest that Bovaer is safe for cows in the short term, however we don’t have enough information about the long-term effects of Bovaer on cow health. Another major gap in knowledge is Bovaer residues that end up in milk or meat. If these residues are present, what are the implications for human health?
These questions have not been adequately studied. We simply don’t know if there are risks associated with consuming products from cows that have been given Bovaer. “All-in-all, there are warning flags that this drug could have harmful effects,” John Fagan, Ph.D., chief scientist of Health Research Institute, told Children’s Health Defense. “It has been rushed to market without adequate testing for safety to the cows and to the people who drink the milk.”4
Bovaer’s Risks to Human and Animal Health
The limited data available on Bovaer’s long-term effects on cow health raises several concerns. We need more research to understand how Bovaer impacts a cow’s ability to reproduce, their immune system’s ability to fight off diseases and their overall lifespan. Bovaer could have subtle effects on cow health that aren’t immediately obvious but could become significant over time.
One particular area of concern is Bovaer’s ability to disrupt the natural balance of microbes in the cow’s rumen. The rumen is a complex ecosystem, and the microbes within it play important roles in digestion and overall cow health. Changing the microbial balance could have unintended consequences, leading to digestive problems or making them more susceptible to certain diseases, for instance.
Another significant concern is Bovaer or its breakdown products ending up in the milk or meat that humans consume. When a cow is given Bovaer, small amounts of the drug or the substances it breaks down into could be present in the products derived from that cow.
The current safety assessment of Bovaer for human consumption is based on very limited data, meaning it’s unknown whether consuming products from Bovaer-treated cows is safe over the long term. More studies are also needed to investigate whether Bovaer residues could cause allergic reactions in some people, or if they could have other long-term health effects that we’re not aware of yet.
It’s also unknown if consuming products from Bovaer-treated cows is safe for all members of the population, including vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children and people with pre-existing health conditions. Bovaer is already approved in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and the U.K.,5 but given the many unanswered questions about its safety, more research is urgently needed.
André Leu, international director of Regeneration International, told Children’s Health Defense that existing Bovaer safety studies are “totally inadequate,” adding, “They are not long enough to determine common adverse health outcomes such as cancers, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, mutagenesis and neurotoxicity. No studies show that treated milk and meat products are safe for children.”6
Don’t wait for a stock market crash, dedollarization, or CBDCs before securing your retirement with physical precious metals. Genesis Gold Group can help.
The Risky Rush Toward a Methane Vaccine
While Bovaer is being marketed as a near-term solution, another risky approach is being developed: a methane vaccine for cattle. Billionaires like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos are heavily funding research into a vaccine designed to alter the microbial makeup of cows’ stomachs, specifically targeting the methane-producing methanogens.
Bezos, through his Bezos Earth Fund, has invested $9.4 million in this endeavor, while Gates is funding the effort through both his philanthropic organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and his investment firm, Breakthrough Energy Ventures.7 The stated goal is to develop a vaccine that significantly reduces the amount of methane cows produce during digestion.
Researchers at institutions like the Pirbright Institute and AgResearch are working to understand how methanogens colonize the digestive tracts of calves and how the bovine immune system responds.8 They’re attempting to identify specific antibodies that effectively target these methanogens, paving the way for a vaccine that could trigger an immune response to suppress methane production.
However, critics like crop scientist and regenerative farmer Howard Vlieger raise serious concerns about the consequences of such a vaccine. Vlieger told Children’s Health Defense that targeting the microorganisms essential for cows’ digestion could severely harm their health, similar to the negative impacts observed when necessary microorganisms in the rumen are eliminated, as research on the herbicide glyphosate has shown.9
The push for a methane vaccine is also supported by organizations like the Global Methane Hub, which is funded by the Gates Foundation, the Bezos Earth Fund and Google, among others.10 The hub claims that reducing methane emissions by 45% by 2030 could have a significant impact on atmospheric conditions, using this as justification for the vaccine’s development.11
They are also advocating for countries to sign the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to reduce methane emissions from livestock and fossil fuels. Some critics find the rapid development and promotion of this technology concerning, especially when considering the vast sums of money involved and the likelihood of unforeseen consequences.
Regenerative cattle farmer Will Harris argues that such technological interventions are unnecessary, as cattle raised on well-managed rangeland are beneficial to the environment, acting as “carbon-converting machines.”12 He contends that the focus on technological fixes creates a cycle of problems that require further technological solutions, benefiting large tech companies while doing little to address the root causes of environmental issues.13
A Regenerative Path Forward
While technological interventions like Bovaer and methane vaccines offer the allure of quick fixes to reduce methane emissions from cattle, they ultimately fail to address the root cause of the problem: unsustainable industrial farming practices.
These approaches involve complex chemical or biological manipulations with unknown long-term consequences for animal health, human health and the environment. Moreover, they perpetuate a system that prioritizes intensive confinement and monoculture farming, which are inherently detrimental to ecological balance.
As highlighted by regenerative agriculture experts, the vast majority of livestock-related methane emissions originate from CAFOs. These concentrated animal populations and the associated manure management practices create conditions that exacerbate methane production. In contrast, regenerative farming practices, which prioritize managed grazing and healthy soil ecosystems, offer a more holistic and sustainable solution.
As Leu explained, “In ranch ecosystems, much of the methane emitted by animals on pasture is degraded by soil and water-based methanotrophic (methane-eating) microorganisms. These organisms do not exist in CAFOs, also known as factory farms, and intensive livestock systems — so 100% of their emissions go into the atmosphere.”14
By mimicking natural grazing patterns, regenerative agriculture promotes biodiversity, enhances soil health and facilitates carbon sequestration.
These practices not only mitigate methane emissions through methanotrophic microorganisms present in healthy soils but also actively sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, improving soil health and overall ecosystem function.
This approach stands in stark contrast to technological fixes that primarily focus on reducing methane at the source without addressing the broader ecological context. Shifting away from CAFOs and embracing regenerative agriculture presents a more promising and enduring path toward addressing environmental concerns related to livestock, while simultaneously promoting animal welfare, human health and the long-term resilience of our agricultural systems.
- 1 Animals (Basel). 2021 Dec 13;11(12):3540. doi: 10.3390/ani11123540
- 2 Journal of Dairy Science February 2023, Volume 106, Issue 2, Pages 927-936
- 3, 4, 5, 6, 14 Children’s Health Defense, The Defender December 10, 2024
- 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Children’s Health Defense, The Defender November 19, 2024
Five Things New “Preppers” Forget When Getting Ready for Bad Times Ahead
The preparedness community is growing faster than it has in decades. Even during peak times such as Y2K, the economic downturn of 2008, and Covid, the vast majority of Americans made sure they had plenty of toilet paper but didn’t really stockpile anything else.
Things have changed. There’s a growing anxiety in this presidential election year that has prompted more Americans to get prepared for crazy events in the future. Some of it is being driven by fearmongers, but there are valid concerns with the economy, food supply, pharmaceuticals, the energy grid, and mass rioting that have pushed average Americans into “prepper” mode.
There are degrees of preparedness. One does not have to be a full-blown “doomsday prepper” living off-grid in a secure Montana bunker in order to be ahead of the curve. In many ways, preparedness isn’t about being able to perfectly handle every conceivable situation. It’s about being less dependent on government for as long as possible. Those who have proper “preps” will not be waiting for FEMA to distribute emergency supplies to the desperate masses.
Below are five things people new to preparedness (and sometimes even those with experience) often forget as they get ready. All five are common sense notions that do not rely on doomsday in order to be useful. It may be nice to own a tank during the apocalypse but there’s not much you can do with it until things get really crazy. The recommendations below can have places in the lives of average Americans whether doomsday comes or not.
Note: The information provided by this publication or any related communications is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. We do not provide personalized investment, financial, or legal advice.
Secured Wealth
Whether in the bank or held in a retirement account, most Americans feel that their life’s savings is relatively secure. At least they did until the last couple of years when de-banking, geopolitical turmoil, and the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies reared their ugly heads.
It behooves Americans to diversify their holdings. If there’s a triggering event or series of events that cripple the financial systems or devalue the U.S. Dollar, wealth can evaporate quickly. To hedge against potential turmoil, many Americans are looking in two directions: Crypto and physical precious metals.
There are huge advantages to cryptocurrencies, but there are also inherent risks because “virtual” money can become challenging to spend. Add in the push by central banks and governments to regulate or even replace cryptocurrencies with their own versions they control and the risks amplify. There’s nothing wrong with cryptocurrencies today but things can change rapidly.
As for physical precious metals, many Americans pay cash to keep plenty on hand in their safe. Rolling over or transferring retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs is also a popular option, but there are caveats. It can often take weeks or even months to get the gold and silver shipped if the owner chooses to close their account. This is why Genesis Gold Group stands out. Their relationship with the depositories allows for rapid closure and shipping, often in less than 10 days from the time the account holder makes their move. This can come in handy if things appear to be heading south.
Lots of Potable Water
One of the biggest shocks that hit new preppers is understanding how much potable water they need in order to survive. Experts claim one gallon of water per person per day is necessary. Even the most conservative estimates put it at over half-a-gallon. That means that for a family of four, they’ll need around 120 gallons of water to survive for a month if the taps turn off and the stores empty out.
Being near a fresh water source, whether it’s a river, lake, or well, is a best practice among experienced preppers. It’s necessary to have a water filter as well, even if the taps are still working. Many refuse to drink tap water even when there is no emergency. Berkey was our previous favorite but they’re under attack from regulators so the Alexapure systems are solid replacements.
For those in the city or away from fresh water sources, storage is the best option. This can be challenging because proper water storage containers take up a lot of room and are difficult to move if the need arises. For “bug in” situations, having a larger container that stores hundreds or even thousands of gallons is better than stacking 1-5 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they won’t be easily transportable and they can cost a lot to install.
Water is critical. If chaos erupts and water infrastructure is compromised, having a large backup supply can be lifesaving.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
There are multiple threats specific to the medical supply chain. With Chinese and Indian imports accounting for over 90% of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States, deteriorating relations could make it impossible to get the medicines and antibiotics many of us need.
Stocking up many prescription medications can be hard. Doctors generally do not like to prescribe large batches of drugs even if they are shelf-stable for extended periods of time. It is a best practice to ask your doctor if they can prescribe a larger amount. Today, some are sympathetic to concerns about pharmacies running out or becoming inaccessible. Tell them your concerns. It’s worth a shot. The worst they can do is say no.
If your doctor is unwilling to help you stock up on medicines, then Jase Medical is a good alternative. Through telehealth, they can prescribe daily meds or antibiotics that are shipped to your door. As proponents of medical freedom, they empathize with those who want to have enough medical supplies on hand in case things go wrong.
Energy Sources
The vast majority of Americans are locked into the grid. This has proven to be a massive liability when the grid goes down. Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive remedies.
Those living off-grid had to either spend a lot of money or effort (or both) to get their alternative energy sources like solar set up. For those who do not want to go so far, it’s still a best practice to have backup power sources. Diesel generators and portable solar panels are the two most popular, and while they’re not inexpensive they are not out of reach of most Americans who are concerned about being without power for extended periods of time.
Natural gas is another necessity for many, but that’s far more challenging to replace. Having alternatives for heating and cooking that can be powered if gas and electric grids go down is important. Have a backup for items that require power such as manual can openers. If you’re stuck eating canned foods for a while and all you have is an electric opener, you’ll have problems.
Don’t Forget the Protein
When most think about “prepping,” they think about their food supply. More Americans are turning to gardening and homesteading as ways to produce their own food. Others are working with local farmers and ranchers to purchase directly from the sources. This is a good idea whether doomsday comes or not, but it’s particularly important if the food supply chain is broken.
Most grocery stores have about one to two weeks worth of food, as do most American households. Grocers rely heavily on truckers to receive their ongoing shipments. In a crisis, the current process can fail. It behooves Americans for multiple reasons to localize their food purchases as much as possible.
Long-term storage is another popular option. Canned foods, MREs, and freeze dried meals are selling out quickly even as prices rise. But one component that is conspicuously absent in shelf-stable food is high-quality protein. Most survival food companies offer low quality “protein buckets” or cans of meat, but they are often barely edible.
Prepper All-Naturals offers premium cuts of steak that have been cooked sous vide and freeze dried to give them a 25-year shelf life. They offer Ribeye, NY Strip, and Tenderloin among others.
Having buckets of beans and rice is a good start, but keeping a solid supply of high-quality protein isn’t just healthier. It can help a family maintain normalcy through crises.
Prepare Without Fear
With all the challenges we face as Americans today, it can be emotionally draining. Citizens are scared and there’s nothing irrational about their concerns. Being prepared and making lifestyle changes to secure necessities can go a long way toward overcoming the fears that plague us. We should hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. And if the worst does come, then knowing we did what we could to be ready for it will help us face those challenges with confidence.
