Methane-reduction cow feed trials conclude

Britain's largest dairy cooperative, Arla Foods, is reviewing the results of trials conducted on 30 farms before making any decisions on its future use.

When the Bower supplement trial began last year, concerns were raised about food safety, with misinformation and conspiracy theories being posted online. Videos even surfaced on social media showing people flushing milk down the toilet in protest.

Bovaer is now the focus of an investigation in Denmark after farmers raised fresh concerns but manufacturer DSM-Firmenich said the additive was "proven, effective and safe".

The company spokesman added that it had been "successfully used for over three years by thousands of farmers in over 25 countries."

But he said: "We are aware that in recent days, some farmers have raised concerns about cow health.

"We are actively engaging with the relevant organizations to ensure that all these concerns are fully investigated and properly addressed.

"In previously reported cases, Bovaer was not identified as a contributing factor to the health concerns raised."

Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases and although it doesn't stay in the atmosphere as long as carbon dioxide, it becomes 28 times more potent over a 100-year period.

It is claimed Bovaer - a brand name for the additive 3-Nitrooxypropanol - could reduce cow methane emissions by between 30-45%, and help farmers be more environmentally-friendly. It works by suppressing the enzymes in a cow's stomach that create the gas.

This supplement, which is added to cow feed in small amounts, has been approved for use by British regulators, and the British government has stated that milk from cows given Bower is safe to drink.

A Food Standards Agency safety assessment in 2023 concluded that there are no safety concerns with using Bower at the approved dosage.

But it is not clear whether the additive will be more widely used in the UK, with a spokeswoman for Arla saying the findings of its trial were "currently being reviewed".