Global technology leader ABB has been selected to supply cutting-edge automation and electrification systems for a landmark methane-reducing cattle feed additive plant in Dalry, Scotland, developed by animal nutrition company dsm-firmenich. The project marks a crucial milestone in the fight against livestock methane emissions, especially in the dairy and beef sectors.
At the heart of this project is Bovaer®, a scientifically developed feed additive that reduces enteric methane emissions from dairy cows by an average of 30% and by up to 45% in feedlot beef cattle. The facility, once complete, will be the first full-scale production site for Bovaer®, which has already been licensed in over 65 countries and tested across 130 farm trials.
“Bovaer® has already helped farmers cut emissions equivalent to 300,000 tons of CO₂e. This facility will accelerate our impact and allow broader collaboration with the dairy and beef value chain globally,” said Mark van Nieuwland, Senior Vice President, Bovaer®.
Automation to Enhance Production of Climate-Smart Dairy Feed
ABB will supply its ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system, IT/OT infrastructure, cybersecurity tools, electric motor control centers, and variable speed drives. The automation framework will enhance engineering efficiency, operator effectiveness, and asset performance, allowing for energy-efficient, scalable production of Bovaer®.
“We’re proud to be enabling one of the most impactful climate technologies in the livestock sector,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB Energy Industries. “Methane is a high-priority target for climate mitigation, and projects like these are key to achieving global goals.”
Methane and the Dairy Industry: A Shared Global Challenge
Methane contributes over 30% of global warming since the industrial era, according to NASA, and livestock accounts for nearly one-third of all methane emissions, per FAO estimates. With more than 600 million tonnes emitted annually, the urgency to mitigate methane—especially from enteric fermentation in dairy cattle—has never been higher.
India, the world’s largest milk producer, faces mounting global scrutiny on emissions and sustainability. Innovations like Bovaer® offer Indian dairy cooperatives and integrators a chance to adopt low-emission practices without compromising productivity. With over 150 countries backing the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane by 30% by 2030, scalable interventions like Bovaer® could be transformative.
