Doping cows…””In some cows, the rumen no longer functions.”

The Germany-based European Institute for Climate and Energy (EIKE) presents its latest climate video, Number 243, and discussed the use of the feed additive Bovaer (3-nitrooxypropanol / 3-NOP), which is designed to reduce methane emissions from cattle.

Symbol image by P. Gosselin

To meet climate targets, methane emissions from livestock must be reduced. In Denmark, dairy farmers above a certain herd size have been mandated to implement methane-reducing measures, such as feeding the Bovaer additive. The chemical substance inhibits the activity of specific bacteria (archaea) in the cow’s rumen that are responsible for methane production.

However, since the mandatory introduction in Denmark, farmers have complained about health issues in their animals. Reports indicate that in some cows, the rumen has ceased to function properly. “In some cows, the rumen no longer functions, and in rare cases, cows had to be culled,” according to the Danish Dairy Farmers Association.

While authorities like the EFSA have generally classified the substance as safe, they admitted that its “genotoxicity” has not been fully clarified and that long-term studies are often lacking.

The EIKE video criticizes that climate protection is being prioritized over animal welfare (“chemical magic bullet against climate catastrophe”), as animals may fall ill or, in extreme cases, have to be euthanized.

The EIKE speaker summarizes: “Once again, climate protection is placed above other values, such as animal welfare.”