Semex, a genetics company, is offering semen that will reduce methane emissions by 20-30% by 2050.
“Methane is a global enemy,” said Drew Sloan, Semex vice president of Corporate Development. “In fact, most developing nations are adopting laws targeting net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This new trait is a game changer.”
Semex partnered with Canada’s milk-recording organization Lactanet, collecting and analyzing over 700,000 first lactation mid-infrared records to predict methane emissions. In April, Lactanet will publish Methane Efficiency breeding values producers can use to reduce methane emissions in their herds significantly.
Frank Mitloehner, professor of animal science at the University of California, Davis, told Reuters low-methane breeding could have a “profound impact” on cattle emissions globally and he expects companies to recognize low-emissions breeding too.
