From breeding values to bull selection

Their goal is to create a mitigation index that can be used by Dutch farmers. This project started in 2024 within the Integral Approach program of LNV.

Combining traits with impact on CH4

“Different trait definitions exist for CH4 emissions,” says Birgit Gedler-Grandl, project leader and researcher at WUR-ABG. “Currently, there is no consensus regarding the most fitting definition of the breeding goal trait for CH4. In this project, we will evaluate different definitions and create a mitigation index that combines all the traits with impact on CH4 emissions and brings together as much information as possible for CH4.”

Adoption of CH4 breeding values by farmers 

The amount of CH4 reduction potential from animal breeding strongly depends on the adoption and uptake of breeding values by Dutch farmers and breeding organisations. In order to reach the Dutch emission goals set for 2030 and 2050, it is important that farmers (and other stakeholders in the production chain) understand the contribution of animal breeding as a CH4 mitigation tool; unclear incentives for farmers, as well as limited information on the relations between emissions and other traits, may limit fast and cost-efficient uptake of breeding innovations.

“It’s important that farmers see the benefits of the mitigation index on their farms,” says Birgit. “To fully exploit the potential of animal breeding as a mitigation strategy, breeding values need to be applied in practice and find broad acceptance by farmers and breeding organisations. Farmers need to be informed and trained to understand the impact of using CH4 breeding values as a selection tool. To build trust on breeding values as a mitigation tool, we will carry out a validation experiment to prove that cows with high genetic potential for reduced CH4 emissions indeed emit less CH4.” 

Financial benefits for Dutch farmers 

Another key objective of the project is to implement the new mitigation index in the Dutch rewarding system for farmers. “If we want this approach to work, it’s important that implementing the mitigation index also provides the Dutch farmers with economic benefits,” says Birgit. “We don’t want farmers and stakeholders to be reluctant to invest in innovations that reduce emissions because of economic constraints. Hence, we are working closely with Friesland Campina, breeding organisation CRV and the Kringloopwijzer to ensure that implementation of the mitigation index will provide the farmers with economic benefits.”