A significant stride in enhancing global livestock efficiency has been made possible through a $4.85 million research grant awarded to the Angus Foundation and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI). This financial support is part of a broader $27.4 million international initiative, funded by the Bezos Earth Fund and Global Methane Hub, aiming to minimize energy waste in livestock by focusing on methane emissions reduction. AGI plans to leverage findings from a 2023 study published in the Journal of Dairy Science, which highlighted that certain animals naturally produce less methane compared to others in their herd. The goal is to deepen understanding of the genetic characteristics contributing to higher efficiency among cattle.
The initiative's primary focus revolves around evaluating the genotypes of over 10,000 animals while collecting data on their methane emissions. These findings will be integrated into genetic selection tools designed for breeding programs, providing long-term, cost-effective benefits. Rob Adams, chair of the Angus Foundation board, emphasized the potential economic advantages associated with more efficient cattle, stating that if some cattle emit up to 30% less methane, they are likely also more efficient overall, reducing input costs significantly.
John Dickinson, chair of AGI’s board, explained that traditional methods have often measured performance against resource inputs like costs. However, this research shifts the paradigm by examining energy loss, offering a fresh perspective on the intricate trait of efficiency. AGI will spearhead data collection efforts in North America as part of a larger collaboration coordinated by Steve Miller at the University of New England’s Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) in Australia. Additional partners include institutions such as the Scottish Rural University College and Teagasc along with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation.
Dickinson further noted the importance of participating in global discussions surrounding cattle methane production. By engaging actively in these dialogues, AGI aims not only to provide its members with enhanced tools for describing energy waste but also to explore new opportunities for international genetic exchanges.
This ambitious project represents a pivotal step forward in addressing environmental concerns related to livestock farming. By integrating advanced genetic analysis with practical breeding strategies, researchers hope to achieve sustainable improvements in animal efficiency, ultimately benefiting both agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability worldwide.