The cow of the future? France introduces smaller, low-emission livestock • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Methane Emissions: A potent greenhouse gas naturally emitted by ruminants, with cattle accounting for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions in France.
• Cow Genetics: Selective breeding of cows to reduce methane emissions and optimize production.
• Livestock Reshaping: A long-term strategy to improve the environmental impact of French livestock farming.
• Dual-Purpose Breeds: Crossbreeding dairy cows with beef bulls to produce both milk and meat from a single herd.
• Experimental Techniques: Current methods for reducing methane emissions and creating dual-purpose breeds are still in the research and development phase.

Reducing Methane Emissions Through Genetics

Researchers in Normandy are developing "cows of tomorrow" with a focus on reducing methane emissions. The core strategy involves selecting lighter cows, specifically aiming for a weight of 550 kilos instead of the typical 600 kilos. The objective is that these lighter animals will consume less feed, thereby emitting less methane per day. Crucially, this reduction in methane is intended to be achieved without compromising milk production.

Methane is identified as a powerful planet-warming gas, naturally emitted by ruminants. In France, cattle are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 10% of the total, which is stated to be more than the country's trucks. The principle behind this approach is that "gaining a little in several places through several means will allow us to gain a lot overall."

Scientists and farmers are actively investigating cow genetics to identify individuals that naturally produce less methane. This involves meticulous data collection, where "every feed portion is weighed and every gas emission measured." This systematic approach is appealing to farmers who often face criticism for being major greenhouse gas emitters. As one farmer states, "The finger of blame is often pointed at us because we're major greenhouse gas emitters. So, if we find a way to improve this, then we should make the most of it."

The long-term goal is to "slowly reshape French livestock." The advantage of this genetic selection method is its permanence: "Once we have selected animals that emit less methane, the French herd will be improved on this criterion for the following years." This implies a self-sustaining improvement in emission reduction over time.

Development of Dual-Purpose Breeds

Beyond methane reduction, the "cows of tomorrow" also encompass the development of new breeds with dual purposes. These animals are the result of crossbreeding dairy cow mothers with beef bullfathers. The aim of this crossbreeding is to produce both milk and meat from a single herd, thereby eliminating the need for separate dairy and beef herds.

One farmer shares their experience: "We also used to have a dairy and a beef herd here and we made the decision to produce meat solely from the dairy herd." This indicates a shift towards more integrated and potentially more efficient farming systems.

While these techniques are currently experimental, the meat produced from these dual-purpose animals has already been available on the market for five years, with sales to a major industrial client. This suggests a tangible, albeit early, commercial application of this breeding strategy.

Conclusion

The research presented focuses on two primary avenues for improving the environmental sustainability of cattle farming: reducing methane emissions through genetic selection for lighter, lower-consuming animals, and developing dual-purpose breeds to optimize resource utilization by producing both milk and meat from a single herd. These initiatives, while still experimental, represent a forward-looking approach to reshaping French livestock farming, with the potential for significant long-term climate benefits and improved farm efficiency.