May 28, 2026
May 2026 · dsm-firmenich
Aarhus University has published its analysis of Bovaer in Danish dairy production, covering 73 herds and approximately 27,650 cows. The finding: no evidence of any negative effect on milk yield, cow mortality, mastitis, or digestive and metabolic disorders. It is the most comprehensive real-world evaluation of Bovaer conducted in Denmark, and one of the most robust herd-level datasets on methane-reducing feed additives assembled anywhere.
The study was commissioned by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration in October 2025, at a moment when farmer concerns and media coverage had put Bovaer under intense scrutiny. Denmark had adopted Bovaer rapidly across its dairy sector during that autumn. The independent analysis answers the questions that scrutiny raised.
Researchers at Aarhus University's Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences analyzed production and health data from 73 Danish dairy herds before, during, and after the introduction of Bovaer in 2025. The dataset covered individual-cow milk recording data spanning 2022 to 2025, health treatment registrations, mortality records, and bulk tank milk composition. All results were adjusted for seasonal variation and herd-specific baselines using established Wilmink lactation curve models.
The study also found no causal link between Bovaer and the herd health issues reported in autumn 2025. The researchers noted that seasonal production decline, combined with the rapid, widespread introduction of Bovaer across Danish herds during that period, may have created a self-reinforcing negative narrative. However, production and disease data—including somatic cell counts adjusted for seasonal effects—do not substantiate that narrative.
The Aarhus findings are consistent with the position of food safety authorities across multiple countries. In Denmark, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration confirms that Bovaer is fully broken down in the cow’s digestive system into natural compounds already present in the feed, meaning It never enters the cow’s milk, or meat. The authority's assessment, grounded in EFSA's 2022 approval, finds no safety concerns when Bovaer is used as intended.
The UK's Food Standards Agency reached the same conclusion following its own independent safety assessment, published in March 2023. The FSA evaluated more than 58 studies on potential risks and concluded that Bovaer is safe for consumers, animals, or the environment, and was still found safe at twice the recommended dose. Numerous studies have confirmed that it does not alter the composition, quality, taste, or processing of milk in any way. The additive was not detected in milk.
Authorities are clear: milk from cows fed Bovaer is completely safe to drink.
In Belgium, Bovaer has been in voluntary use since 2022, encouraged through a CAP eco-scheme in Flanders. Nico Peiren, researcher at ILVO (the Flemish research institute for agriculture and fisheries), confirmed in April 2026 that over three years of use in Flanders, no health problems in cattle were reported — and that in ten years of research on the product.
Bovaer has been in large-scale commercial use since 2022. It is now commercially available in over 70 countries and is currently part of the daily diet of over 500,000 cows and beef cattle worldwide.
Bovaer offers a practical and proven way to reduce enteric methane emissions—by approximately 30% in dairy cows—without altering the farming system. Bovaer integrates seamlessly into the farm daily routine. It is added directly to existing cow feed, either in mineral feed or protein meal from the feed supplier. It requires no investment or permits, zero new buildings, zero new machinery, and zero changes to the cow's daily routine. While it’s not the only answer to climate change, it’s one of the most immediate and effective steps the dairy and beef industries can take toward meaningful climate action.
About Bovaer®
Bovaer® is a feed additive for cows and cattle (and other ruminants, such as sheep, goats, and deer) researched and developed over the last 15 years. Just a quarter teaspoon of Bovaer® per cow per day consistently reduces enteric methane emission by on average 30% for dairy cows and even higher percentages, on average 45%, for feedlot beef cattle. The feed additive Bovaer® therefore contributes to a significant and immediate reduction of the environmental footprint of dairy and beef products. Bovaer® is now commercially available in 70 countries and has been tested in over 150 farm trials, across 25 countries, resulting in over 110 peer reviewed scientific publications.
About dsm-firmenich
As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for people and the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €9 billion for its Continuing Operations following the divestment of Animal Nutrition & Health. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 21,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people. www.dsm-firmenich.com
Sources
Press release from Aarhus University (DCA) https://dca.au.dk/aktuelt/nyheder/vis/artikel/ny-rapport-om-bovaer-ingen-samlet-stigning-i-doedelighed-eller-fald-i-maelkeydelse
Aarhus University (DCA), report commissioned by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, published spring 2026. Webinar presentation: 5 May 2026. https://pure.au.dk/portal/da/publications/afd%C3%A6kning-af-mulige-negative-effekter-ved-bovaer-fodring-i-praksi/
Styrelsen for Fødevarer, Landbrug og Fiskeri (Danish Veterinary and Food Administration), Fodertilsætningsstoffet Bovaer, foedevarestyrelsen.dk. https://foedevarestyrelsen.dk/foder/markedsfoering-af-foder/fodertilsaetningsstoffer/bovaer
UK Food Standards Agency, Bovaer cow feed additive explained, food.blog.gov.uk, December 2024. https://food.blog.gov.uk/2024/12/05/bovaer-cow-feed-additive-explained/
Le Sillon Belge, Le Bovaer: remède climatique ou roulette ruminale?, sillonbelge.be, 5 March 2026. https://www.sillonbelge.be/16692/article/2026-04-23/actuellement-bovaer-est-le-produit-homologue-le-plus-performant