Information about Bovaer® feed supplement

At Valio, we carry out ambitious, science-based climate work, and our goal is to continue reducing the climate impact of milk production in a variety of ways. Food safety and animal welfare are always a priority in our operations. The safety of our products is the foundation of our entire business.

Valio’s climate actions aim to reduce emissions generated in milk production. We are moving towards a carbon-neutral milk value chain primarily through four pathways:

1. We are sequestrating more atmospheric carbon into grass fields.
2. We are using manure to produce biogas, which is a replacement for fossil fuels in heavy transports.
3. We are reducing emissions from agricultural peatlands and developing suitable restoration methods for some peatlands.
4. We are continuing good work on animal welfare, feeding and breeding.

A feeding solution that reduces methane production in the digestive system of cows is one of many ways to reduce the climate impact of milk production.

Valio is piloting a feeding solution at a few dozen dairy farms to reduce methane production. The use of the feed supplement is voluntary. Integrating climate actions into profitable business operations is crucial to maintaining sustainable business operations and competitiveness. By reducing emissions in our own value chain, we are also helping our customers reduce their emissions.

Read more about Valio’s climate actions and Climate Programme.

Valio has approximately 3,200 dairy farms across Finland. We have tested the feeding solution that reduces methane production at a few dozen dairy farms, and the user experiences have been positive.

Research has proven Bovaer® to be safe for animals and humans

Only authorised feed supplements may be used for animal nutrition in Finland and the EU. All authorised feed additives undergo the EFSA’s rigorous safety assessment to ensure it is safe for animals, people and the environment.

Bovaer® feed supplement, manufactured by the Dutch company DSM-Firmenich, is one way to reduce the climate impact of milk production. Bovaer® is approved for use in dairy cattle feed in more than 60 countries worldwide to reduce methane emissions, and it is widely used in several EU countries. Using this feed supplement can reduce the amount of methane emissions generated by the digestion of cows by 30% and thus promote climate resilience in the agricultural sector.

DSM-Firmenich, the manufacturer of Bovaer® feed supplement, provides the following information on the safety of the feed supplement:

• Bovaer® is a science-based solution that has been studied for more than 15 years. Over the past decade, the substance has been studied in more than 150 trials in 28 countries and under different feeding systems, all of which have been published in more than 85 peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Bovaer® feed supplement has market approval in the EU and has been approved for use in dairy cattle feed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA). Both authorities have concluded that the use of the substance is safe both for consumers and animals.
• The feeding solution does not affect the quality or composition of milk or meat and does not have residues in the milk, meat or manure. The feeding solution does not affect the quality or composition of milk or meat and does not have residues in the milk, meat or manure. Bovaer® is fully metabolized by the cow and is not present in milk or meat, so there is no consumer exposure. It never enters into milk and therefore does not reach consumers consuming dairy products.

More detailed questions and answers can be found on the website of the manufacturer of Bovaer, DSM .

The Bovaer® feed supplement is not permitted in organic production.

In accordance with food legislation, information on the contents of a product is always clearly displayed in connection with the food name of every Valio product. Animal feed is not subject to mandatory package labelling.

At Valio, we trust the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) study on the safety of the substance in dairy cow feed and the market approval granted in the EU based on the study. In Finland, the safety and use of feed permitted for production animals is overseen by the Finnish Food Authority.

Investigation of causes of health issues in cows in Denmark – situation being closely monitored

In Denmark, it has been reported that since the beginning of October, some milk producers have reported health issues and reduced yields in herds that have fed the methane emissions-reducing feed supplement Bovaer. The use of methane-reducing feed supplements has been mandated in Denmark for herds of more than 50 dairy cows since the beginning of 2025. A working group set up by the Danish Ministry of Food Agriculture and Fisheries is investigating the matter.

We at Valio are also closely monitoring the situation in Denmark and the investigations by authorities. We always take animal health concerns seriously. No similar cases of illness have been reported at Valio’s pilot farms.

Read more about Valio’s food safety and quality.

Read more about Valio’s sustainability program and climate work