Danish Expert Dismisses Methane-Reducing Feed Additive Bovaer Amidst Scientific Consensus

A prominent Danish cow expert, Jørn Erri, has publicly voiced strong skepticism regarding Bovaer, a feed additive designed to reduce methane emissions from cattle, labeling its efficacy as "complete madness." Erri's comments, shared by Jonatan Pallesen on social media, assert that the product "has no impact on the climate whatsoever," directly contradicting scientific findings and regulatory approvals. This statement comes amidst ongoing efforts to implement climate-smart agricultural solutions globally.

Bovaer, developed by DSM-Firmenich and chemically known as 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), functions by inhibiting a specific enzyme in a cow's rumen responsible for methane production. Extensive research, including over 150 trials across 20 countries, has demonstrated its ability to reduce enteric methane emissions by an average of 30% in dairy cows and up to 45% in beef cattle. Regulatory bodies worldwide, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), have approved Bovaer, confirming its safety for animals and human consumption.

The additive is rapidly metabolized within the cow's digestive system, leaving no residue in milk or meat, a fact confirmed by rigorous safety assessments. Despite this, Bovaer has recently been the subject of misinformation campaigns on social media, with unfounded claims linking it to health risks such as cancer or infertility. Scientists have described these campaigns as a "wake-up call" for better public communication regarding agricultural innovations.

Experts like Professor Oliver Jones of RMIT University and Professor Alastair Hay of the University of Leeds have reiterated Bovaer's safety and efficacy, emphasizing that concerns about its handling in concentrated form do not apply to the consumption of products from treated animals. The FSA explicitly stated that "milk from cows given Bovaer... is safe to drink," following comprehensive evaluations. Erri's remarks echo some of the public skepticism that has circulated online, highlighting a disconnect between scientific consensus and certain public perceptions regarding climate mitigation technologies in agriculture.