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What is Bovaer?
Bovaer is a feed additive marketed as a solution to reduce methane emissions in cows. It works by converting methane into CO2, which is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, converted into cellulose, and consumed again by livestock, continuing a natural carbon cycle.
While this sounds environmentally friendly, the implications of altering a natural process like methane production raise significant concerns. Let’s take a closer look.
Why We’re Concerned
The safety studies behind Bovaer raise serious questions:
1️⃣ Short Durations of Studies:
Animal safety trials lasted just 56-90 days.
Long-term efficacy trials spanned only 19 weeks.
A 2-year study on rats found benign tumours at high doses.
2️⃣ Funding Transparency:
There’s no clarity on who funded these studies. Were they independent or industry-backed?
3️⃣ Small Sample Sizes:
Some trials involved as few as 4 cows per group, raising doubts about the validity of the findings.
4️⃣ Safety Risks:
Studies revealed eye corrosion and inhalation risks for handlers.
Tumour development in rats at higher doses cannot be ignored.
Where is the long-term, independent research? Methane reduction should not come at the cost of health, safety, or transparency.
Who’s Using It?
Major suppliers and supermarkets trialling or adopting Bovaer include:
Arla Foods
Müller
Marks & Spencer
Tesco
Morrisons
Aldi
⚠️ Own-Brand Warning: Many supermarket own-brand dairy and meat products could come from farms using Bovaer, even if it’s not explicitly stated. For example, own-brand products from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and others may source from Arla or Müller. Always check the labels and reach out to your suppliers for clarification.
This isn’t just about milk - it applies to all milk derivatives (butter, cheese, yoghurt) and meat from dairy cattle.
Suppliers Saying NO to Bovaer
Thankfully, some farms and dairies have already made it clear they will not participate. Here’s the growing list of producers saying NO to Bovaer:
Longley Farm, West Yorkshire
Graham The Family Dairy, Scotland
Craig's Farm Dairy, Dorset
Plurenden Manor Farm, Kent
Crediton Dairies, Devon
Isle of Man Creamery, Isle of Man
Pale Farm, Kent
Pipers Farm, Exeter
Old Hall Farm, Norfolk
Gazegill Organics, Lancashire
Hook & Son, East Sussex
Riverford Organics, Various
The Soil Association has also confirmed that Bovaer does not meet their organic standards and will not be allowed in certified organic products.
Methane and the Bigger Picture
Here’s what isn’t being discussed enough:
1️⃣ Methane is part of a natural carbon cycle: It breaks down into CO2, which is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, converted into cellulose, and consumed by livestock again. Unlike fossil fuel CO2 emissions, methane from cows is part of a short-term, renewable cycle.
2️⃣ Methane’s Short Lifespan: Methane doesn’t accumulate in the atmosphere like CO2 from fossil fuels. It naturally breaks down over time, meaning its warming impact is shorter-lived.
3️⃣ Livestock Sequesters Carbon: Properly managed grazing lands can store significant amounts of carbon in the soil, acting as natural carbon sinks.
4️⃣ Restricting Livestock Isn’t the Answer: Removing livestock entirely would require enormous increases in crop production to replace the lost nutrients, leading to new emissions and potential nutritional deficiencies.
5️⃣ Nutritional Value Matters: Animal products provide essential nutrients, especially for growing children, that plant-based diets can struggle to match sustainably.
What Can You Do?
Here’s how we can support transparency and health-focused farming practices:
Ask questions: Speak to your local farmers and suppliers about their stance on Bovaer.
Support local farms: Buy from producers committed to ethical and transparent practices.
Stay informed: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates.
We’re actively reaching out to more suppliers to confirm their stance, and we’ll keep sharing updates as the list of farms rejecting Bovaer grows. Methane reduction must be achieved without compromising health, safety, or sustainability. Let’s stand together for a better future for our families and our planet.
Discover more about our innovative strategies and book a free chat with us to see how we can help.
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