Bidlea Dairy not involved in Bovaer feed additive trial

Bidlea Dairy, near Goostrey, issued a statement after concerns were raised across the country over Bovaer.

It was recently announced by Arla Foods, which owns the UK’s biggest dairy co-operative, that 30 British farms would trial the use of the feed additive.

Research suggests the supplement can reduce methane emissions from cows’ digestion by an average of 27 per cent, but questions remain over such additives’ long-term effectiveness and impact on animal health and welfare.

Now Adam Brown, who runs Bidlea Dairy with wife Becky, has moved to reassure customers the farm is not involved.

He said: "We recognise there has been a lot of concerns from recent news in the press throughout the country about milk and dairy products.

The dairy farm produces milk, cream, butter and ice cream (Image: Bidlea Dairy) "We can confirm we are not involved in any of this trial work which uses feed additives or chemicals to help reduce cow methane emissions.

"Our cows' diet is approximately 85 per cent home grown, mainly grazed grass (or grass silage in the winter) and the remainder is cereal based.

"This feed is similar to muesli which includes cereals, vitamins and trace elements to sustain a healthy balanced diet.

"Thank you to anyone who has shown concern but please be reassured our milk, milkshakes, ice cream and cream are high quality, ultra fresh and produced to the highest standards both on the farm and in the dairy.

"We are 100 per cent traceable and just use our own milk from our own Bidlea girls!

"We just want you all to be confident and know you are safe with us! Thank you for your interest and continued support."

Arla Foods is working alongside Morrisons, Aldi and Tesco on the initiative, which aims to tackle climate-heating methane emissions produced by cows during digestion.

An Arla spokesperson said: "Bovaer has already been extensively and safely used across Europe and at no point during the trial will there be any impact on the milk we produce as it does not pass from the cow into the milk.

"Regulatory bodies, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and UK Food Standards Agency, have approved its use based on evidence that it does not harm the animals or negatively impact their health, productivity, or the quality of milk."

Bovaer was authorised in the UK in April and has been approved for use in a number of countries, including EU countries, Australia and Canada.