From February 24 to 28, 2025, Re-Livestock hosted its first-ever “Cattle Breeding for Low Methane Emissions” course in Zaragoza, Spain. This landmark event welcomed 43 participants—both in-person and online—from 20 countries worldwide, uniting farmers, researchers, and industry professionals to advance solutions for reducing methane emissions. Attendees explored cutting-edge strategies to breed climate-friendly cattle, blending science, technology, and hands-on learning for real-world impact.
What Was Covered?
The course focused on practical tools for measuring methane on farms, analyzing data, and integrating genetic improvements into breeding programs. Attendees learned to:
- Evaluate methane measurement devices and interpret farm-level data.
- Develop genetic models to prioritize low-emission traits in cattle.
- Design effective breeding programs using methane-reduction proxies.
Led by global experts from institutions like INIA-CSIC (Spain), La Trobe University (Australia), and Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands), the training blended theory with real-world applications.
A Global Collaboration for Local Impact
The event highlighted international collaboration, with speakers including Dr. Hayden Montgomery (Global Methane Hub) and Dr. Jennie Pryce (La Trobe University), alongside EU-based researchers. Their insights underscored how genetic advancements can drive measurable reductions in livestock emissions—without compromising productivity.
Building a Greener Future
“This course marks a turning point,” said a Re-Livestock spokesperson. “By equipping farmers and breeders with these tools, we’re empowering them to lead the transition to sustainable livestock systems.” Participants left with actionable strategies to implement on their farms, proving that science and agriculture can work hand-in-hand for the planet.
Re-Livestock remains committed to scaling these efforts, fostering innovation, and supporting farmers in the race to curb climate change. Together, we’re breeding a better future.