New genetic technology can reduce methane emissions by up to 30% and has been awarded the prestigious three-star innovation accolade at the Agromek, the agricultural fair, held last week in Denmark.

SEMEX has introduced a new breeding value for methane efficiency in Holstein cattle. This innovation aims to reduce methane emissions by 20–30% without compromising milk yield, animal health, or longevity. By using bulls with a methane efficiency index above 105 before 2050, farmers can breed cows with significantly lower climate impacts.

Initially, this technology has been developed for the Holstein breed, which dominates Denmark’s dairy cattle population, accounting for approximately 70% of all Danish dairy cows.

The company has developed a breeding index for methane production in their bulls. There is a correlation between the infrared spectra of milk and an individual animal’s methane emissions, which can be traced in the animal’s genetics. This allows for the establishment of breeding programs to reduce methane production,” explains the Agromek judging panel, who awarded this innovation its three-star designation.

SEMEX, owned by three Canadian breeding cooperatives—Westgen, Eastgen, and CIAQ—operates in numerous countries worldwide.

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Foto: Jenny Hill, Unsplash