UK to trial methane-reducing feed additives for cows

Bovaer feed additive was launched as an innovative invention to reduce methane emissions significantly

In recent years, with the increasing focus on climate change and the environmental impact of the agricultural sector, a growing number of new ideas are being tested to help tackle climate challenges. The feed additive Bovaer is being introduced as one of these solutions. It is claimed that it could reduce methane emissions from cows by as much as 27% on average. However, even though this product is promoted as a major step towards more sustainable farming, questions remain about its potential impacts and risks.

Bovaer is a feed additive developed specifically for ruminating livestock such as cows to reduce methane emissions, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. Cows, like all ruminants, release methane into the atmosphere during digestion. Microbiological processes in their stomachs produce this gas. "Bovaer is designed to inhibit these natural processes and thus reduce methane emissions.

Large, globally renowned UK companies such as Arla Foods, Morrisons, Aldi, and Tesco have joined the project to test the additive. The farmers, who have joined Arla, the UK's largest dairy cooperative, now hope to understand how the new feed additive can be used on a large scale, and to assess its impact on both the environment and the farm economy.

But such ambitious targets are naturally open to criticism. The main concern is the unanswered questions about the potential consequences of this and similar additives when used on a large scale. Are they really not dangerous to animals or humans, and will experimentation with food not lead to even more problems?

In the fight against climate change, they have come up with the idea of altering the processes in animal bodies

Bovaer's developers say the new product could be an important tool in the fight against climate change. Reducing methane emissions can significantly reduce the greenhouse effect of milk and meat production. It would also help the agricultural sector meet its international climate commitments.

However, some scientists and public members are questioning whether this solution is not just a superficial solution to the problem. It is stressed that the root causes of climate change go deeper than simply the methane produced by cows. Moreover, uncertain animal experiments can only lead to more problems in the long term, with consequences far more severe than imagined.

While studies already show that Bovaer can reduce methane emissions in the short term, there is a lack of data on the long-term effects. Every new product, especially when applied in the food chain, needs to be thoroughly investigated for its potential impact on animal health, milk and meat quality, and ecosystems^[1].

Will the long-term use of this additive not harm the health of cows? What about the potential impact on human health? Could there be negative side effects that we cannot predict at this stage? These and similar questions are still unanswered, despite the rush to introduce chemical additives into livestock diets as soon as possible.

In addition, farmers are already facing high costs, and the use of Bovaer could further increase the cost of production of milk and its products, as well as meat products. Larger farmers can afford to experiment, but smaller farmers may not have the financial means. The question is whether the feed additive will become another burden for small farmers in order to remain competitive in the market. Even Paul Dover, Director of UK Agriculture at Arla Foods, has spoken out about this:

"We are very excited about this new collective work with our retail partners and the opportunities that feed additives like this present. However, distributing them on a large scale will not be easy because of the costs involved, so it is important to understand their potential applications better and work with industry, government and our partners to support farmers if we are to take advantage of the opportunity these additives offer to reduce emissions."

Experimental feed additives reportedly cannot enter dairy products, although long-term harm is still unclear

As Bovaer is used in animal feed, the question arises whether the additive's ingredients may end up in the final dairy or meat products. Although studies show that the risk is minimal, adverse effects may not appear until decades later, as has happened with other chemicals previously considered "safe."

One of the main questions is, therefore, how the production and distribution of Bovaer will affect the environment. Although this additive is claimed to reduce methane emissions from livestock farms, the environmental impact of the production process itself and how it may affect human life and health must be calculated^[2].

Unfortunately, as usual, the authorities responsible for food safety have once again rushed to confirm the safety of the new additive without any studies on its possible long-term effects. The studies carried out so far confirm that this additive is not harmful to animals, nor does it adversely affect their health, productivity or milk quality. However, as recently as last year, a report by the Food Standards Agency suggested that 3-nitrooxypropanol could be hazardous to humans by inhalation, and this is one of the ingredients in Bovaer.

Bill Gates' millions are also behind the production of similar additives

Moreover, there are already rumors about whether Bovaer is not a product created by large corporations for a completely different purpose. There is speculation that the additive may not be designed to combat climate change so much as to increase the profits of the pharmaceutical and food industries. Such critics also warn that corporations may hide negative side effects or other problems in order to protect their investments.

After hearing about the controversial cow feed additive, many people in the UK started threatening to boycott Arla. They are also planning to boycott all supermarkets that have decided to contribute to this experiment.

It is worth mentioning here that Microsoft founder Bill Gates, through his investment company Breakthrough Energy Ventures, has invested millions in Rumin 8, which has started developing similar methane-reducing supplements by early 2023. In addition, B. Gates has already spoken out in favor of artificial meat and other controversial experiments. So, this has only added to people's skepticism and fears that Bovaer could have negative consequences for livestock farming and for humans and that B may even be behind it all. Gates.

However, at least not yet, the latter businessman has not been linked to Bovaer. An Arla^[3] representative also confirmed this:

"The information circulating about our relationship with Bill Gates is completely false and the claims regarding his involvement in the production of our products are inaccurate."