Geno's more efficient breeding work and record-high breeding progress for Norwegian Red cattle are yielding results in the form of reduced greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production.
"Through targeted breeding for reduced methane emissions and better feed efficiency, we could potentially contribute to a reduction of 1.55 million tons of CO2 equivalents by 2035," says Kristin Malonæs, CEO of Geno
Norwegian Red breeding progress is currently at an all-time high. This is due to several breeding initiatives in recent years that have together enabled Geno to select the best bulls and heifers as efficiently as possible.
Genomic Selection Drives Faster Progress
It has been eight years since the breeding program for Norwegian Red transitioned from progeny testing to genomic selection (GS). The result? "The breeding progress per year has more than doubled," says Håvard Tajet, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Geno.
He further explains that new tools, such as the use of embryos, have made the work more efficient. "At the same time, we have managed to maintain the genetic variation in the population, which is necessary for successful breeding work."
The rapid breeding progress not only improves profitability for farmers but also has a very positive impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production.
The value of breeding work builds up over time. As breeding progress speeds up, as we've seen with Norwegian Red in recent years, the impact of these efforts will be realized sooner, and the value will grow alongside this development.
Comprehensive and Sustainable Breeding Goals
Geno has a broad breeding goal for Norwegian Red genetics that emphasizes traits that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production.
Examples include:
- Geno has achieved shorter calving intervals by genetically improving cow fertility. This is a climate measure because it results in more productive days to distribute methane emissions.
- Breeding for healthier animals has resulted in fewer sick days, which also contributes to more productive days.
- The Norwegian Red cow is also highly adaptable. In times like these, when the market demands more milk in a short time, the Norwegian Red cow has the genetic potential to produce more when conditions are optimized. This in itself contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions per unit produced.
"Geno has consistently invested in technology to measure methane emissions and feed intake, helping us breed even more climate-friendly cows," says Kristin Malonæs, Geno's CEO.
Major Investment in Technology
Geno has invested in new technology that measures methane emissions and feed intake in individual cows. The goal is to breed even more feed-efficient cows with a lower climate footprint while maintaining good health and fertility.
Significant Climate Reductions
Continuing the current breeding work on Norwegian Red could contribute to a reduction of 650,000 tons of CO2 equivalents in the period from 2021 to 2030. Through targeted breeding for reduced methane emissions and better feed efficiency, this could potentially increase to 1.55 million tons by 2035. This corresponds to doubling what we aim to achieve by 2030.
Breeding is, therefore, the most powerful measure to reduce methane emissions from livestock production.
