Amid growing interest and debate over the role of feed additives in reducing livestock emissions, UK dairy farmers are being urged to take a cautious and evidence-based approach to methane-reducing feed additives, as the NFU publishes updated guidance on bobbers and similar products.
In recent years, Defra has renewed its commitment to reducing agricultural methane as part of the UK’s climate goals. Feed additives such as Bovaer are at the center of this, with governments, retailers and processors exploring whether they can form part of a low-carbon supply chain.
The NFU, which is part of the National Methane Suppressor Roundtable, says no single product is a silver bullet and new technologies need to work in real farm systems, maintain welfare standards and complement other emissions reduction tools such as genetics and efficiency improvements.
Bovaer, the only methane-suppressing feed additive currently approved in the UK, is claimed to reduce intestinal methane emissions by an average of 27%.
Determined to be safe by the Food Standards Agency, the European Food Safety Authority, and authorities in over 70 countries. R
Over 15 years of regulatory testing has not identified any safety concerns for human or animal health at approved doses, and the compound is not found in milk or meat because it breaks down naturally in the rumen. An FSA spokesperson reiterated that “milk from cows fed Bobard… is safe to drink.”
Paul Tompkins, chair of the NFU Dairy Committee, said farmers were “rightly proud of and protect” the reputation of dairy products, stressing that only products that have been fully certified and safety tested should be considered for use on UK farms.
A recent UK trial conducted by dairy processor Arla in conjunction with retail partners attracted intense public scrutiny, including a social media campaign and consumer concerns. The NFU said this reinforced the need for clarity, transparency and long-term data before considering additives at scale.
Tompkins said the trial could “help provide some of this evidence” but highlighted continuing questions around practicality, consistency, cost and consumer buy-in.
The NFU stressed that methane reduction additives are an optional tool and should only be used when solid science, risk assessment and practical feasibility are fully understood.
Denmark became the first country to mandate methane reduction measures in 2025, requiring farmers to use approved additives and increase feed fat levels. Currently, Bovaer is the only approved product and farmers receive a subsidy to cover the additional costs.
Cattle diseases related to feed management have recently been reported and investigated. Manufacturer DSM-Firmenich said it was “actively working” with authorities and noted that Bobard “was not identified as a contributing factor” in previously evaluated cases.
Animal welfare “must continue to be our top priority,” Tompkins said, adding that future policy needs to be driven by science, commercial practicality and clear communication with farmers and consumers.
The NFU argues that methane reduction additives could eventually form part of a wider toolkit, but warns that good policy requires incentives, farmer choice and full transparency as trials continue.
