Emergency approval for cobalt in livestock feeds extended to England and Wales

Defra minister Mark Spencer confirmed yesterday (27^th June) that Statutory Instruments (SIs) for the urgent authorisation for four cobalt additives have now been laid in Parliament in response to recommendations from the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The same four salts were approved for use in Scotland earlier this month, following calls from the industry for renewed authorization to protect animals at risk of cobalt deficiency.

The SIs have been harmonised to collectively come into force across Great Britain on 15^th July, ensuring uninterrupted market supply of cobalt feed additives.

NFU Scotland’s livestock policy manager Lisa Hislop pointed out the loss of cobalt in July would deprive spring born lambs grazing hill pasture from vital supplementation at a time of peak demand.

“Cobalt supplementation is essential to our livestock industry, in particular our sheep sector,” she said. “Cobalt is a vital element for healthy animals and deficiency can result in debilitation, anaemia, emaciation and stunted growth.”

In addition, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) and the British Association of Feed Supplement and Additive Manufacturers (BAFSAM) have appealed to the FSA and Defra in a coordinated effort, presenting evidence and data on the animal welfare and economic implications of losing the four cobalt feed additives.

AIC also responded on its Members’ behalf to an FSA consultation on proposed emergency authorisation for cobalt use in livestock feeds in England and Wales.

Commenting on the news, AIC’s head of animal feed James McCulloch said: “This is a great example of the industry and regulators working together to secure the right outcome for livestock farmers.

“This news will be especially welcome for sheep farmers across Great Britain wanting to supplement spring born lambs with cobalt to help ensure good growth rates over the summer months.”