DSM joins forces with LLB Specialties for North American supplement distribution, expands cattle feed additive production

01 Dec 2022 --- DSM unveiled two endeavors this week that will enhance its dietary supplement distribution abilities in North America and expand production of its methane-reducing feed additive for cattle, called Bovaer. 

The company states that in order to continue with its North American growth strategy, it has partnered with LBB Specialties, which allows expansion of its product development and increases customer value. 

“We’re confident that LBB Specialties is the right partner to grow our customer base in the dietary supplements market,” says Eric Choban, regional VP, HNC North America, DSM. 

Additionally, construction began on the production plant in Dalry, Scotland, which the company announced during last year’s UN Climate Change Conference. The feed additive has been shown to reduce enteric methane by 45% in beef cattle and 30% in dairy cows, though the company states that some tests showed a 90% reduction rate. 

Moreover, DSM states that since the beginning of Bovaer’s development, the additive has eliminated an estimated 15,000 metric tons of enteric CO2.Bovaer has the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions by up to 45% in some cattle.

Conquering North America
DSM says the collaboration will boost the company to become a premier supplier of lipids, carotenoids, nutraceuticals and vitamins in the region. 

It further notes that LBB Specialties offers a combination of product management, marketing expertise and technical knowledge that will aid the company in the needs of the continent’s consumers.

“Our teams are fully-equipped with a range of tailored product portfolios, backed by a commercially and operationally strategic platform that will give DSM’s strategic growth initiatives an added boost,” affirms Hank DeWolf, CEO at LBB Specialties.

Coban adds that “this arrangement will empower our teams to further provide customers with dedicated account management services and access to combined technical expertise from both parties.”

Scaling-up cattle feed
DSM states the facility comes with the full support of the Scottish government and the Scottish Enterprise – a national agency that supports innovation and economic development.

The feed additive is still in the early production phase in many countries, such as Switzerland, Turkey, Brazil, Chile, Pakistan, Argentina, Australia, Uruguay and much of the EU and EEA. DSM expects the plant to be fully operational in 2025.

Adrian Gillespie, the Scottish Enterprise’s chief executive, called the production plant a “milestone” in innovative projects for Ayrshire and Scotland.

“Royal DSM’s Project Bovaer has the potential to be a game-changer for emissions reductions from cattle,” he concludes. 

Edited by William Bradford Nichols