For the first time, a Danish dairy farmer is publicly speaking out with concerns about Bovaer.
Huibert van Dorp describes how his cows became seriously ill when he started using the feed additive designed to reduce methane emissions – one cow died. He argues that he is violating animal welfare laws by giving the product to his animals.
He is the first dairy farmer in Denmark to publicly testify about his negative experiences with Bovaer, the feed additive that Danish farmers are required to use for at least 80 days per year to reduce methane emissions from cattle. The plan is to extend this requirement to 365 days per year.
In a video published on Wednesday, van Dorp describes serious problems in his herd since he started using Bovaer on October 1.
— As I said, I started feeding with Bovaer at the beginning of October and as of today I'm no longer doing it. We had some animals that became sick. This one here has over 40 degrees Celsius fever and has been up to 41.5 degrees, van Dorp says in the video, pointing to a dairy cow beside him.
Fever and stomach cramps
The farmer reports that three cows suffered from high fever and were treated urgently with penicillin. Additionally, two cows experienced severe stomach cramps and bloated rumens.
— We had the veterinarian out on Sunday evening, but unfortunately we couldn't save one of the cows. She died the next day, van Dorp recounts.
He also describes how the cows are generally performing worse and showing signs of poor health since Bovaer was introduced to their feed.
— I can say that our cows are not performing as they should. The cows are also reacting negatively. When I walk through the herd, they are more lethargic. It's as if they're saying: 'I feel unwell'. With these things, I don't want to accept being a farmer who loves animals and tries to do the best I can, and then put something into a cow that damages their biological process. We're disrupting the rumen with this Bovaer.
A growing problem
Van Dorp says he is not alone with his experiences. According to him, several colleagues are reporting similar problems.
— I'm hearing a lot from people I know. There are more problems today since we started with Bovaer. I'm hearing about more udder inflammation, thick legs, swelling. I'm hearing that cows can no longer get up. There are many farmers who have taken a break from Bovaer. I hope for God's sake we can stop this, he says.
The farmer argues that he cannot comply with animal welfare laws while giving his cows Bovaer. He describes a conversation with an inspector from the Danish food safety authority.
— Now you come here and inspect my animal welfare, and you can see that my animal welfare is as it should be, but I'm supposed to put poison in my cows so they get stomach aches from it, and there are consequences of that, what do you say to that? She couldn't answer that, van Dorp recounts.
He calls for help from industry organizations but notes that support has been limited. According to van Dorp, many Danish dairy farmers have also been afraid to speak out publicly due to the significant pressure from authorities and organizations to use Bovaer.
