Angus Groups Join Global Initiative to Improve Livestock Efficiency

The Angus Foundation and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) are set to join a global effort to improve livestock efficiency following the receipt of a $4.85 million research grant. The grant is part of a $27.4 million global initiative, backed by the Bezos Earth Fund and Global Methane Hub, to reduce energy waste within livestock by targeting methane emissions.

AGI intends to build upon a 2023 study published in the Journal of Dairy Science, which found a portion of animals naturally emit less methane than others in the herd. The group hopes to better understand the genetic differences of more efficient cattle. 

“If some cattle are as much as 30% more efficient in their methane production, as is suggested, then these cattle are probably also just simply more efficient in general,” said Rob Adams, chair of the Angus Foundation board, in a news release. “That likely also means they are a lower input cost kind of cattle. If we can quantify that and make it possible to genetically select for these cattle, then that will be a win-win for all of us.”

In total, the effort aims to evaluate the genotypes of more than 10,000 animals, collect phenotypes for methane emissions data, and integrate findings into genetic selection tools for breeding programs to deliver long-term, low-cost benefits.

“The common practice has been to measure gains or performance against resources like costs and inputs,” said John Dickinson, chair of AGI’s board, in a news release. “This research will look at the energy loss side of the equation, which not only gives a different perspective but dives deeper into the complex trait of efficiency.”

While AGI will lead data collection in North America, the full initiative will be coordinated by Steve Miller at the University of New England’s Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit in Australia. Other partners include the Scottish Rural University College and Teagsac and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation.

“There are many global conversations out there regarding the true impact of methane production in cattle,” Dickinson said, in a news release. “I think it is important that we are at the table and involved in those conversations. The results of this research project will not only give our membership a tool that better describes the energy waste side of the equation for efficiency, but it also may lead to more opportunities for the international exchange of genetics.”