The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) has defended Arla’s controversial trial of Bovaer, a feed additive designed to reduce methane emissions in cattle, in response to the pervasive criticism it has inspired online.
Bovaer (whose chemical name is 3-nitrooxypropanol, 3-NOP), is designed to inhibit methane production in cattle by altering “activity “biochemical pathways” in bovine rumens.
News of the trial had sparked public debate on social media, with many consumers questioning the long-term health risks associated with the feed additive’s potential inclusion into the dairy food chain, and others calling on a boycott of Arla’s produce.
However, according to the manufacturer, Bovaer is designed to break down in the cows’ digestive systems, quickly decomposing into naturally occurring compounds which are already present in the rumen, without compromising the health or byproducts of the impacted animal.
In a statement released yesterday (December 12), BSAS recognised Bovaer’s “significant potential” in enhancing the sustainability of livestock production, when developed and used responsibly.
This includes the appropriate use personal protective equipment (PPE) by handlers, as is conventional with various other feed additives.
Bovaer
It also provided assurances over the safety and efficacy of the product, with reference to the extensive research undertaken on its behalf, including a detailed review by the UK’s Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF).
“The product has undergone rigorous risk assessments in multiple jurisdictions, evaluating its safety for animals, humans handling the product, consumers and the environment,” the statement read.
On this basis, it therefore concluded “that Bovaer is safe for all stakeholders and effective in reducing methane emissions when used as directed”.
It stated that greater transparency and clarity surrounding Bovaer’s regulatory and scientific credentials is required to gain public trust and quell the mounting concerns characterising the innovation.
“Transparency from industry and regulatory bodies, such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), is crucial in helping the public understand the thorough processes that underpin product approval.
“Clear communication about safety and efficacy, supported by peer reviewed science, can bridge the gap between scientific innovation and societal acceptance,” BSAS said.
The statement was also a reassertion of the society’s commitment to the advancement of science-backed efforts to tackle climate change and support sustainable food production, of which Bovaer exemplifies.
It accepted that consumer trust into such scientific advancements must however be gained by increasing efforts to raise people’s awareness of its evidence-based merits and the research that underpins the new innovations.
This response follows similar assurances made by Dsm-firmenich, the company behind Bovaer, and representatives from Arla and The National Farmers’ Union, who all debunked the “misleading” information proliferating online about the feed additive.
