Lactanet geneticists analyzed more than seven hundred thousand first lactation MIR records in order to be able to predict methane emissions for milk-recorded cows across Canada.
“The results showed that you can substantially reduce methane emissions with genetic selection,” said Dr. Michael Lohuis, Semex’s vice-president for research and innovation.
In April, Lactanet will publish Methane Efficiency breeding values producers can use to significantly reduce methane emissions in their herds. For genomic bulls, it is 70 per cent reliable and genetic selection alone is estimated to reduce emissions 20 to 30 per cent by 2050, Semex said.
Semex’s global Elevate users will automatically receive a methane index on all genomic tested females. Additionally, an index will be available on Semex Holstein sires beginning in April.
“Methane is a global enemy,” said Drew Sloan, Semex’s vice-president for 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.”
