Bovaer-free, organic whey protein powder: what is the cattle feed additive that’s going viral?

You might have heard of Bovaer, a cattle feed additive that’s making the headlines. Arla’s recent statement about their testing of the additive has prompted a wave of negative reactions, with some social media users even recording themselves pouring away their Arla milk and dairy products in protest.

However you view the subject, some customers have approached us with concern about the additive and whether it's used in the making of our products. Here’s the reassuring answer: it isn't, and you won’t find Bovaer in any of our organic whey protein powders. Because of strict organic farming standards, any use of additives, like Bovaer, is completely prohibited.

So, enjoy an organic whey protein powder shake as you read on to find out more.

What is Bovaer?

Bovaer is an additive developed by Dutch company DSM-Firmenich. It’s added into animal feed with the goal of tackling methane emissions in livestock, particularly ruminants like dairy cows.

Methane, dairy cows, and the environment

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas which is naturally produced in a cow’s stomach (primarily in the rumen) during digestion. This is known as enteric fermentation. (4)

Cows release this into the atmosphere, mostly through belching, at rates of 250 to 500 L of methane per day. (4) It’s thought that the livestock sector contributes around 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions, with methane production a part of this.

What is Bovaer made of and how does it work?

Bovaer’s active ingredient, 3-NOP (3-nitrooxypropanol), works by targeting specific enzymes in the stomachs of cattle, effectively inhibiting the process that produces methane. (5) This, DSM states, “reduces methane emissions from dairy cattle by 30% and up to 45% for beef cattle, on average.”

Has Bovaer been studied and approved?

Bovaer has undergone rigorous safety assessments and has been deemed safe for use in livestock diets without affecting the animals’ health or milk quality by the FSA (Food Standards Agency) in the UK and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) in the EU.

Reports on Bovaer, both during testing and since Arla’s statement on the feed supplement, have emphasised that the additive is metabolised by the cow and therefore doesn’t pass into their milk. Consumers have also been reassured that eating the meat of cows who have consumed Bovaer in their feed doesn’t pose any risks to human health. (6)

Nevertheless, many are concerned about the long-term health impacts and side effects of the additive. For example, whether it could cause cancer (though a UK study into this deemed it was not carcinogenic) or whether 3-NOP could cause skin irritation (which only appears to be the case when it’s in its pure form).

What did Arla say in their press release?

Arla’s press release on 26th November 2024 sparked the recent public scrutiny and debate. In the press release, they announced they would be working with British farmers, and major supermarkets Tesco, Aldi, and Morrisons, to test the use of Bovaer on 30 farms across the UK. This is in a bid to make methane reduction possible at scale in the future.

It means that the additive will be used in feeding cows that go on to produce dairy products consumed on a daily basis such as milk, butter, and cheese.

Bovaer and our organic whey protein powders

We understand that some of our customers may be concerned about the presence of Bovaer in our whey protein powders. However, as our products come from the milk of organically farmed dairy cows, the use of Bovaer – and indeed any other feed additives – is strictly prohibited.

You can feel safe in the knowledge that our whey protein powders are 100% free from Bovaer – and always will be.

Organic, bovaer-free whey protein powder

Whether or not you choose to consume products related to Arla’s testing of Bovaer is your personal choice. The story will no doubt continue to develop over the coming months.

What’s certain is that our whey protein powders come exclusively from certified organic farms, where additives in animal feed are strictly prohibited. From the liquid whey sourced from organic cheese-makers to the whole foods in our flavoured blends, every step prioritises clean, natural nutrition. Explore our four organic whey protein powders for a transparent, health-focused option you can always trust.