Bovaer maker defends product after Danish farmer fears

The manufacturer of the methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer has moved to calm fears over its safety after Danish farmers raised concerns linking the product to cattle illness and deaths.

DSM-Firmenich, which produces Bovaer, said the reports from Denmark – where use of the additive became mandatory this autumn – did not align with its extensive research or global experience.

A spokesman for the Swiss-Dutch company said: “Animal welfare is our highest priority. We are deeply committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of livestock, supporting farm performance, and securing the future of dairy farming, as we have consistently done for decades.

See also: Editor’s View: Why Bovaer bashers should stop and think

“Currently, around 1,400 Danish farmers are using the Bovaer feed supplement, and we are aware that in recent days, some farmers have raised concerns about cow health.

“We are actively engaging with the relevant organisations 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.”

Reporting concerns

Farmers in Denmark are being urged to report issues to Seges Innovation, an independent research organisation, via its cattle-based platform known as DMS.

Aarhus University has reaffirmed that earlier research found no evidence of disease in cows using Bovaer, findings that align with a large body of international studies over 15 years.

The DSM-Firmenich spokesman added: “Bovaer is a proven, effective and safe solution that has been successfully used for over three years by thousands of farmers in over 25 countries. It is approved for use in 70 countries, including the US, the EU and Switzerland.”

However, Ida Storm of the Danish Agriculture and Food Council said: “We are familiar with some cases where dairy farmers report problems after starting using Bovaer.

“This is obviously of great concern to us. Animal welfare must not be compromised. At the same time we are surprised, since no research or large-scale trials have indicated problems.”

Ms Storm said the organisation had launched an online survey to collect reports and “quickly learn more and hopefully find solutions”.

The Danish Food and Veterinary Administration told Farmers Weekly it was aware that some farmers had reported cases of sick cows after introducing Bovaer into feed rations and that the causes “will be investigated”.

“We are in close contact with the Danish Agriculture and Food Council, which has now initiated a survey among farmers, advisers and veterinarians to collect relevant data,” said a spokesman, adding: “Hopefully, this will shed some light on the situation.”

The agency has also asked Aarhus University to carry out a scientific investigation, including biological sampling from affected herds, with results expected once analyses and evaluations are complete.

Arla UK trials

In the UK, Bovaer is being trialled by Arla on 30 farms, in collaboration with major retailers such as Morrisons, Tesco and Aldi. The aim is to measure its potential to cut the carbon footprint of dairy farming, although the initiative has faced public scrutiny and misinformation online.

Farmers Weekly has contacted Arla Foods UK for comment.