Bovaer has not been stopped in Sweden or Denmark despite viral rumours on social media. It remains safe and effective according to authorities. Yet, hundreds of farmers report digestive problems, lameness, reduced milk production, and even deaths.
Bovaer is a feed additive used in cattle to reduce methane emissions from their digestive process. In other words, Bovaer aims at reducing cow farts.
In Denmark, Bovaer became mandatory for dairy farms starting October 1, 2025, as part of efforts to reduce methane emissions. Approximately 1,400 out of 2,000 Danish dairy farms use it.
While there have been reports of cow health issues, such as digestive problems, lameness, reduced milk production, and, in some cases, deaths, from hundreds of farmers, leading to welfare-based exemptions and some discontinuing its use, the mandate remains in place in Denmark.
Bovaer is Safe and Effective
Ongoing investigations from Danish authorities, Aarhus University, and manufacturer DSM-Firmenich have established no causal link to Bovaer. Research trials have confirmed that Bovaer is safe and effective.
Experts and regulators, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), have also deemed Bovaer safe based on studies, with no similar issues reported in other countries where it’s used.
In Sweden, Bovaer is not mandated but is being actively introduced by companies like Arla, with alleged successful trials conducted in 2023 showing positive results on methane reduction.
There are no reports of issues or stops; instead, efforts focus on financing options for farmers to adopt it, alongside other so-called emission-reduction strategies.
Swedish retailer Axfood has incorporated Bovaer into feed for producing household cheese since at least late 2024, but companies like Roslagsmjölk, distributing eco-friendly milk in Sweden, will not use Bovaer at all. They write to NewsVoice:
”Roslagsmjölk’s farms have not used, do not currently use, and have no plans to use Bovaer in the future.”
Swedish Norrmejerier reports to NewsVoice that some of their farmers voluntarily used Bovaer but stopped in June 2025 due to both low demand and willingness to pay among consumers.
Sources and related
- BBC (November 2025): Methane-cutting cow feed trials brought to an end
- EuroNews: Fact check: Are cows in Denmark dying over Bovaer additive?
- Mejerimedier.dk (March 2025): Arla aims to introduce Bovaer in Sweden
- NewsVoice: Bovaer makes cows sick – Dairy farmers raise the alarm
