Breeding Low-Emission Cows to Combat Climate Change: Scientists’ Findings and Recommendations

Scientists at Australia’s Curtin University have revealed that breeding low-emission cows could be a key solution in the fight against climate change. These cows, with inheritable genetic traits that reduce methane production, could significantly decrease the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.

In addition to breeding low-emission cows, the researchers also identified other strategies to reduce methane emissions from the food system, including improving wastewater management at beef processing plants and providing ozonated water to cattle. Feeding cattle more grains than grass and adding certain compounds to their feed were also suggested as potential solutions.

Lead researcher Merideth Kelliher emphasized the importance of considering both genetic traits in cows and land use emissions in the fight against climate change. The study, published in the journal Climate, marks the first comprehensive analysis of strategies to reduce methane emissions from cattle and other sources in the food system.

Co-author and Curtin Professor of Sustainability Dora Marinova highlighted the practical and cost-effective nature of these strategies, which could inform policy makers in their efforts to combat climate change. With these innovative solutions, the future of sustainable agriculture and environmental protection looks promising.