Red meat processor ABP, which operates abattoirs across the UK, has carried out research to show how methane emissions can be reduced by adopting a more data-driven approach to breeding cattle.

The multi-year study involved more than 4,000 animals at the company’s demonstration farms in Shropshire and Ireland. It found a data-driven breeding strategy resulted in a 40% reduction in methane emissions, compared to ABP’s current average and additional returns of up to £100 per animal.

Data could be used to select animals which are more efficient at converting feed to protein, reach their target weight earlier and reduce their environmental footprint.

SOURCE: www.pressandjournal.co.uk