Arla Foods has paused its methane-reducing feed trial after completing a UK-wide evaluation of Bovaer, a supplement developed by DSM-Firmenich to lower methane emissions from dairy cows. The additive, tested across 30 Arla farms, reportedly reduces methane by up to 45%, but remains the centre of industry debate.
The trial sparked controversy when it launched last year, prompting food-safety concerns and online protests. Despite this, the Food Standards Agency approved Bovaer in 2023, confirming milk from treated cows is safe at regulated doses.
DSM-Firmenich maintains that Bovaer is effective and widely used globally, though the company acknowledges that some farmers have raised animal-health concerns, which it says have been fully investigated.
The NFU notes that while the technology is promising, its long-term efficacy, practicality and welfare implications must be proven under real-world farm conditions. Defra has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing methane emissions but highlights that feed additives must complement genetics, efficiency improvements, and other sustainable practices.
Arla is now reviewing its trial data before deciding on wider adoption, a decision likely to influence future methane-reduction strategies across the UK dairy sector.
