Is cattle welfare affected by the methane-reducing feed additive 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP)? - Policy Brief

To meet climate change targets, countries including Scotland are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture contributes around 10% of UK emissions, of which methane from ruminant livestock contributes around half. Across sectors, mitigation methods are being explored. The feed additive 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP, Bovaer) can reduce cattle methane emissions by up to 30% by inhibiting the final enzyme in methane synthesis in the rumen microbiome. Although now licensed for use in various jurisdictions including the UK and EU (for dairy and suckler cows), the possible impact of 3-NOP use on cattle welfare has not been fully investigated.

Author: Professor Rick D’Eath