Projects helping to reduce methane emissions
On 26th November 2024 we announced that we would be running a project of a cow feed supplement called Bovaer®, a product that has been researched for over 15 years and is already used in many countries around the world.
Bovaer® has the potential to reduce methane emissions from cows and is part of our efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of our products.
Bovaer® FAQs
Why do we need to reduce methane emissions?
Cows release methane as a byproduct of their digestive process, primarily through belching – and methane is a greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide.
As one of the world’s largest dairy producers, we have a responsibility to do our part in reducing our impact on the climate. Even by making small changes we have the power to make a significant global impact.
Are you still running Bovaer® projects on your farms in the UK?
Our UK projects on methane-reducing supplements have now ended, and the findings are currently being reviewed.
What does this mean for my Arla products?
The most important thing we can say here is that Bovaer® is not in any of our products as it does not get into the milk.
Will products made from milk from cows fed on Bovaer® be labelled as such?
No, we only label products with ingredients that are contained within the product. Bovaer® never enters the milk because it is broken down as a natural part of the cow’s digestion into compounds already found in the cow’s digestive system.
Where can I find out more about Bovaer®?
DSM Firmenich - the manufacturers of Bovaer® - provides these facts about the product that's fully approved for use in the UK:
- Bovaer® does not filter through to humans when they consume dairy products.
- Regulatory bodies, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the UK Food Standards Agency have approved its use based on evidence that it does not harm the animals or negatively impact their health, productivity, or the quality of milk. A statement from the UK Food Standards Agency can be viewed here: Bovaer cow feed additive explained – Food Standards Agency
- Bovaer® has undergone extensive testing to ensure it is safe for cows and humans.
- Bovaer® is specifically designed to break down in the cow's digestive system and quickly decomposes into naturally occurring compounds already present in the stomach of a cow. This means it does not pass from the cow into the milk.
- Bovaer® has been worked on for 15 years, and is being used in approximately 29 countries across more than 200,000 cows
- In December 2023, Bovaer® was approved in the United Kingdom – it is currently approved for use in 68 countries
- You can read more about the Bovaer® product here, on the DSM Firmenich website, manufacturers of Bovaer® - dsm-firmenich-statement-bovaer-november-2024.pdf
Where can I find out more about Arla and its sustainability initiatives?
Please click here to find out more about Arla’s climate ambition to become net zero by 2025.