Genomics Research to Reduce Emissions in Dairy Cattle Receives International Dairy Federation Award for Innovation in Climate Action

The International Dairy Federation has recognized Lactanet and Semex for their ground-breaking work to identify the traits in dairy cows which control an animal's production of methane, a by-product of their digestive processes.  

Methane Efficiency Evaluation, which became available to dairy farmers across Canada earlier this year, resulted from 10 years of research and development, co-led by researchers at the Universities of Guelph, Alberta, British Columbia and Laval. Genome Alberta and RDAR have proudly supported this work, with RDAR investing in a series of dairy GHG reduction research projects. 

RDAR's investment in these projects is valued at over $1.725M, including $725,000 in funding cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments through the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). Genome Alberta’s investments through Genome Canada are valued at $7.632M, which, when funding from other partners is included, produces a total research investment of approximately $23M. 

The research program’s outcomes will help dairy producers better predict individual animal methane emissions. During the development stage, this project partnered with agricultural producers, who tested the methane reduction system on-farm and verified emission reductions within their own breeding programs. 

JP Brouwer, Dairy Farmer and RDAR Director, participated directly in this project. "Proving these methods on-farm helped the project achieve its objectives while ensuring the results were feasible and provided direct benefits. I'm pleased that this emissions reduction has a tangible and positive economic benefit too," says Mr. Brouwer. "As a Director, I am proud that RDAR is making investments like this to create real impact to farmers across Alberta." 

The Dairy Farmers of Canada have made an ambitious commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Genomics innovations enabled through new investments, such as Genome Canada's Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative, will continue to help farmers achieve this target by applying research and new technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving carbon sinks in our food system.  

"Alberta Milk is proud to see one of our partners, Lactanet, recognized for efforts in research that will have such a significant impact on our sustainability work and our herd quality," says Stuart Boeve, Chair of Alberta Milk. "Being able to genetically select animals that can contribute to reducing methane emissions is already impressive, and the fact that this research shows we can do it without impacting production levels is really exciting to dairy producers. Supporting innovation and research that contributes to our Net Zero 2050 goal while also improving our industry is something Alberta Milk is proud to do through RDAR."