Summarised by Centrist
Arla Foods, the UK’s biggest dairy producer, is testing a special cow feed additive called Bovaer. The additive could reduce methane emissions from dairy cows.
Partnering with grocery retailers Morrisons, Aldi, and Tesco, the trial involves 30 Arla farmers and aims to promote sustainable farming practices.
Arla’s UK agricultural director Paul Dover says it’s all part of their plan to slash dairy pollution by 30% before 2030.
Cows produce methane as they digest food, and Bovaer aims to stop the enzyme that makes it.
Less enzyme means fewer burps.
Not everyone’s cheering, though. Social media exploded when Arla announced the trial, with some threatening to boycott their products.
Many raised concerns over Bovaer’s chemical composition. The additive contains silicon dioxide, propylene glycol, and 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP).
Critics cited a 2023 Food Standards Agency report highlighting 3-NOP as potentially harmful to humans if mishandled, labelling it as “corrosive to the eyes” and a “skin irritant.”
Despite this, DSM, the company behind Bovaer, insists the additive is safe for animals, farmers, and consumers.
Bovaer isn’t the only game in town. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is backing a rival methane-reduction product, Rumin8.
If successful, Arla hopes to expand Bovaer’s use among UK farmers.