Arla Bovaer® trial – what is it?

Arla has said Bovaer^® claims to reduce enteric methane emissions from cows on average by 27%. 

Following the launch of the trial, the news has sparked debate on social media.

It is clear that questions remain over the use of methane suppressing supplements in the ruminant diet.

Since its inception, the NFU has played an active role in the government-led roundtable on methane inhibitors as we recognise that feed supplements could be one way to support sustainable food supply chains.

In October 2023, Defra renewed its commitment to reducing methane emissions in livestock through plans to encourage the use of methane suppressing feed products in England.

However, these products do need to work in real-life situations and be incentivised alongside a range of other GHG emission-reducing techniques, such as genetics, efficiency improvements and other methane-suppressing technologies.

Responding to the news, NFU Dairy Board chair Paul Tompkins said: “While FSA-approved products could be useful tools in helping to reduce methane emissions, questions remain about long-term efficacy, that it can be used practically and effectively on farm, and that animal health and welfare will not be impacted.

“Defra research has shown that shoppers are generally positive about methane-suppressing products if human and/or animal health are not affected. It’s critical we also have a strong evidence base to give farmers the confidence to use these products. This trial project between Arla, Morrisons, Aldi and Tesco could help provide this evidence.

“British farmers have a huge amount to offer when it comes to producing climate-friendly food and it’s important the supply chain and government continues to work together to enable informed decision-making on GHG emissions-reducing techniques.”