Could Hilda Hold the Key to Reducing Methane Emissions from Cattle?

A breeding initiative is making strides in reducing methane emissions from cattle, an essential step toward achieving net-zero targets. The collaborative project, involving Paragon Vets, bovine reproduction company Semex, and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), aims to breed dairy cows that emit less methane through selective breeding and IVF.

The Birth of a Game-Changer

Hilda, a seemingly ordinary calf, could play a crucial role in the global effort to curb climate change. She is the first calf born from a project designed to breed cattle that produce significantly lower amounts of methane—a potent greenhouse gas. Hilda's arrival is drawing significant attention from the media, as her birth represents a breakthrough in sustainable agriculture.

As far as we know, this is the first time this has been done,

said Rob Simmons, co-lead of the project and a vet with Paragon Veterinary Group.

Hilda is the first animal we are aware of that has been selectively bred specifically for improved methane efficiency. There has been no genetic modification involved in her breeding; it’s all about the selective mating of the best bulls and dams we could find.

The project, named Cool Cows, brings together Paragon Veterinary Group in Cumbria, Semex, and SRUC. Hilda was born at SRUC’s research facility in Dumfries, Scotland, into the college’s Langhill dairy herd, which has been used for scientific research for over 50 years.

Selective Breeding and IVF to Tackle Emissions

Cattle naturally emit methane as part of their digestive process, primarily through burps. However, some cows produce less methane than others, despite being fed the same diet and producing the same amount of milk . By selectively breeding from these animals, the project aims to replicate this trait in future generations.

Hilda’s parents were chosen because they are among the most methane-efficient cattle worldwide,

explained Rob, who also leads the advanced breeding division at Paragon.

By using IVF, we’re able to fast-track the process of getting these calves on the ground and into the herd.

Through IVF, eggs from Hilda’s mother were fertilised earlier than would have been possible for a natural pregnancy. The resulting embryos were implanted into a surrogate cow, allowing Hilda to be born around eight months earlier than she would have otherwise.

Paragon, a leader in bovine IVF, conducted the procedure. “We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project, which supports sustainability in the dairy sector,” said Rob. “Genetic improvement in methane efficiency will help us continue providing nutritious food while mitigating the environmental impact of methane emissions.”

Measuring and Enhancing Methane Efficiency

As part of the project, cattle are now being assessed for their methane efficiency. SRUC has specialised equipment to measure the methane emissions of each animal, enabling precise evaluation of the progress being made. Hilda, now a few weeks old, could soon contribute to the next generation of methane-efficient cows.

We’ll keep assessing each generation to ensure we're on track,

Rob said.

In six months, Hilda might even become an egg donor if her methane efficiency is high enough.

Since Hilda's birth, two more calves have been born as part of the program. These calves will also undergo similar testing and breeding selection for methane efficiency.

A Significant Milestone for Sustainable Farming

The Cool Cows initiative began in late 2023 when Rob visited SRUC and collaborated with their geneticists. The project is supported by £335,000 from the Digital Dairy Chain’s Collaborative Research & Development Grant, administered by Innovate UK.

SRUC’s project lead, Professor Richard Dewhurst, emphasised the importance of this milestone:

The birth of Hilda is potentially a hugely significant moment for the UK dairy industry. With global consumption of dairy produce continuing to grow, breeding livestock for sustainability is extremely important.

He added,

We will use a new genomic assessment alongside existing production and environmental efficiency indices to select elite, methane-efficient heifers for breeding. The Cool Cows project will produce a greater number of offspring from these donors, rapidly establishing a nucleus of highly methane-efficient calves.

Stuart Martin, Programme Director of Digital Dairy Chain, added,

We are very pleased to have supported this groundbreaking project. The birth of the first Cool Cows calf marks a significant milestone, promising significant results for the future of sustainable farming.

The success of the Cool Cows project could have a profound impact on reducing the environmental footprint of the dairy industry, playing a pivotal role in global efforts to combat climate change.