Despite growing reports of cattle illness, Denmark's Food Minister Jacob Jensen refuses to pause the use of Bovaer, a methane-reducing feed supplement for dairy cows. The minister acknowledges concerns but maintains the product remains an important tool for meeting climate targets.
Bovaer contains the active ingredient 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), which works by inhibiting enzymes in cow stomachs that produce methane during digestion. Research from Aarhus University suggests proper use could reduce methane emissions from Danish cattle by 27 percent.
Danish conventional dairy farms with more than 50 cows must legally reduce methane emissions by eight percent. Farmers have two options: use Bovaer for at least 80 days per year or incorporate higher fat content in feed. Most have chosen Bovaer, but many report their cows becoming sick after consumption.
Kjartan Poulsen, chairman of the Danish Dairy Producers Association, told members that farmers are experiencing health issues in their herds. He also noted the alternative high-fat feed solution is no longer viable this late in the year and pushes cows to their physiological limits.
Political pressure is mounting from multiple parties. Per Larsen, agricultural spokesperson for the Conservative Party, stated that when farmers report severe problems and cows' digestive systems stop working, the supplement should not continue to be used. The Social Liberals, Socialist People's Party, Denmark Democrats, Alternative Party, and Danish People's Party have all expressed support for suspending Bovaer if it's making Danish dairy cows sick.
Minister Jensen defended his position by noting Bovaer is approved and used in many EU countries without reported problems. He emphasized that investigations are underway to determine if there's a causal link between the feed supplement and animal illness. Farmers who believe their animals are becoming sick from Bovaer can exempt their cattle by signing a declaration of honor specifying which cows and for what period.
The controversy has already had international repercussions. Norway has temporarily paused its trial of Bovaer despite not experiencing negative effects, directly citing reports from Danish farmers about cattle health issues.
Minister Jensen and Green Tripartite Minister Jeppe Bruus have called a meeting for next week with the Green Tripartite Agreement committee to discuss the situation. This puts additional pressure on the government to find a solution that balances climate goals with animal welfare concerns.
This situation highlights the difficult balance Nordic countries face between ambitious climate targets and practical agricultural realities. Denmark has been a leader in agricultural climate policy, but this controversy shows how technological solutions can encounter unexpected challenges when implemented at scale. The outcome could influence how other Nordic countries approach similar methane reduction strategies for their agricultural sectors.
The timing is particularly sensitive as Danish farmers adjust to new environmental requirements while maintaining competitive operations. With dairy exports being a significant part of Denmark's agricultural economy, animal health concerns could have broader economic implications if not resolved promptly.