Draft:Maik Kindermann

Maik Kindermann
BornUnknown
NationalityGerman
Occupation(s)Scientist, Head of Research and Development at DSM
EmployerDSM
Known forDevelopment of Bovaer, 3-nitrooxypropanol
SpouseUnknown
ChildrenUnknown

Maik Kindermann is a German scientist who serves as the Head of Research and Development for the Bovaer project at DSM, where he focuses on reducing methane emissions from ruminants through the development of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP). In addition, he is the Head of Innovation Portfolio Management, driving strategic initiatives to advance DSM’s innovation pipeline for sustainable agricultural solutions.

Career

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DSM-Firmenich

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Kindermann has been instrumental in the scientific research surrounding 3-NOP, contributing to numerous studies that demonstrate its efficacy in reducing enteric methane emissions while maintaining or enhancing milk production metrics. His research indicates that 3-NOP can lead to a substantial reduction in methane emissions—up to 26%—without adversely affecting feed intake or lactational performance[1].

In addition to his work on Bovaer, Kindermann has published extensively in scientific journals, contributing to the understanding of methane production and its reduction through dietary interventions[2].

Kindermann has held several leadership roles at DSM:

  • Head of R&D Bovaer / Head Innovation Portfolio Management (2024–present): Leads groundbreaking research into Bovaer, a feed additive to reduce ruminant methane emissions. Focuses on sustainability, fostering cutting-edge innovations to enhance livestock productivity.
  • Sr. Director Tech-Scouting & Venturing (2023–2024): Directed interdisciplinary teams for technology scouting in generative AI, precision agriculture, and climate mitigation technologies.
  • Head R&D Program CleanCow / Innovation Project Director (2015–2022): Directed the CleanCow initiative, advancing scalable solutions for methane reduction.
  • Director of Technology Scouting (2019–2022): Managed sustainability strategies through open innovation principles, emphasizing partnerships, IP, and regulatory frameworks.

Early Roles

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  • Co-founder and Head of Chemistry at Covalys Biosciences, where he developed molecular imaging technologies.
  • Senior Scientist at Sanofi-Aventis, leading teams in bioimaging of proteolytic enzymes.

Contributions to Science

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Research on Methane Reduction

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Kindermann's research has been pivotal in establishing 3-NOP as a scientifically proven solution for reducing methane emissions from livestock. He has collaborated with various international teams and institutions, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to tackle climate change challenges in agriculture[3].

As one of the inventors of Bovaer at DSM, Kindermann's research has focused on mitigating climate change through sustainable livestock practices. 3-NOP, his breakthrough feed additive, reduces methane emissions by up to 26% without compromising milk production or feed intake.

Media Appearances

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Maik Kindermann has participated in various media engagements to discuss his work on Bovaer and its impact on climate change:

  • Beef 2024 Event Interview – Maik spoke about the commercial rollout of Bovaer and its potential benefits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming.
  • Reducing Methane Emissions from Livestock – Kindermann discusses innovative technologies aimed at reducing methane emissions from cattle and the role of agriculture in combating climate change. He emphasizes the importance of new solutions that can have a significant positive impact on the env

Publications

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Maik Kindermann has authored and co-authored several influential papers on animal nutrition and methane emissions, including:

  • "The effects of feeding 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane emissions and productivity of Holstein cows in mid lactation" published in the Journal of Dairy Science[4].
  • "3-NOP vs. halogenated compound: methane production, ruminal fermentation and microbial community response in forage fed cattle" published in Frontiers in Microbiology[5].
  • Evaluation of methane inhibitors using the rumen simulation technique (Rusitec).

Honors and Awards

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  • DSM Research Award
  • Prix APLE/EPFL
  • Winner at CREATE-Switzerland’s “Get on the Fast Track” initiative

Personal Life

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Kindermann is the bass player for the Swiss melodic metal band Rizon. In his free time, enjoys mountain biking.

Further Reading

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See Also

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References

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  1. ^ "Feed supplement for dairy cows cuts their methane emission by about a quarter". Retrieved 2024-12-01.
  2. ^ Kebreab, E.; Bannink, A.; Pressman, E. M.; Walker, N.; Karagiannis, A.; Van Gastelen, S.; Dijkstra, J. (2023). "A meta-analysis of effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane production, yield, and intensity in dairy cattle". Journal of Dairy Science. 106 (2): 927–936. doi:10.3168/jds.2022-22211. PMC 9868067. PMID 36494226. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
  3. ^ "Summary of scientific research on how 3-NOP effectively reduces enteric methane emissions" (PDF). Retrieved 2024-12-01.
  4. ^ Kebreab, E.; Bannink, A.; Pressman, E. M.; Walker, N.; Karagiannis, A.; Van Gastelen, S.; Dijkstra, J. (2023). "The effects of feeding 3-nitrooxypropanol on methane emissions and productivity of Holstein cows". Journal of Dairy Science. 106 (2): 927–936. doi:10.3168/jds.2022-22211. PMC 9868067. PMID 36494226.
  5. ^ Martinez-Fernandez, Gonzalo; Duval, Stephane; Kindermann, Maik; Schirra, Horst J.; Denman, Stuart E.; McSweeney, Christopher S. (2018). "3-NOP vs. halogenated compound: methane production, ruminal fermentation and microbial community response in forage fed cattle". Frontiers in Microbiology. 9. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2018.01582.