Launched at COP26, the Greener Cattle Initiative will fund research into technologies to reduce one of the largest sources of methane emissions and drive more sustainable agriculture.
With so much focus on carbon, we can’t forget about methane—the largest driver of climate change after carbon.
Cattle are the source of one-third of U.S. methane emissions,according to the EPA. The main culprit is natural enteric fermentation, which takes place in a cow’s stomach, causing them to belch methane.
Introducing the Greener Cattle Initiative,an industry-oriented research consortium that will award $5 million to fund research into “scientifically sound, commercially feasible, and socially responsible practices and technologies” to reduce enteric methane emissions from cows.
They’ll support research in areas including…
- Feed additives, ingredients, and supplements to reduce or inhibit enteric methane emissions
- Genetic selection of cattle that emit less methane
- Increased understanding of microbiome composition and activity in cattle
- Technologies such as sensors, robots, and AI to monitor emissions or related physiological indicators
- Socioeconomic analysis of mitigation practices and technologies
BIO members are among the founding participants, including Genus PLC, a livestock genetics company, and Elanco, which develops animal health products and services (like vaccines). The Initiative was co-founded by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, as part of USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM).
What they’re saying: “Genus’ participation in the Greener Cattle Initiative ensures animal breeding and genetics are a part of the important conversation around climate change solutions. We believe our involvement in this initiative will shed light on how science and technology can help to reduce methane production to create a more sustainable food system,” said Chief Scientific Officer at Genus PLC and BIO Board Member Dr. Elena Rice.
More Agriculture and Environment News:
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