Limousin Green Gene reduces emissions and increases profits

That was the good news story from a five-year research project that highlighted Limousin genetics produce up to 30% less daily methane emissions relative to other breeds for the same level of productivity and performance.

Furthermore, the results from the Greenbreed Research Project at the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation’s (ICBF) performance test centre at Tully, Co Kildare – involving the ICBF, Teagasc, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – found that Limousin cross animals had the lowest daily emissions without any negative impact on growth rates or animal performance.

Chief executive of the British Limousin Cattle Society, Alice Swift

Add in the British Limousin Cattle Society's data insight from the 36,000 genotyped animals and the Society is able to highlight significant differences in the emissions potential from beef breeds.

This data set, combined with insights from research projects has identified the F94L myostatin gene – found naturally in Limousin cattle – is responsible for the increased meat yield on carcases, thus reducing emissions by creating more beef from fewer inputs.

It is the F94L gene that the British Limousin Society has now termed The Green Gene.

Early data analysis from the Society’s genomic data set is drawing significant trend patterns that point to the efficiency delivered by the Green Genes that can reduce emissions. The findings, which are supported by preliminary data from AHDB’s National Beef Evaluation, found that of calves sired by various breeds born in the last 10 years:

* Calves sired by pedigree Limousin bulls finished on average 29 days earlier than the average of all calves by the main continental sire breeds (Simmental, Charolais, British Blue, British Blonde, and Salers).

* If finishing costs of £3/day is assumed (will vary), Limousin progeny are worth around £87/head more due to early slaughter.

* This difference equates to a reduction of more than 4.3kg CO2 equivalents of greenhouse gases per finished animal (29 *151g).

* Calves sired by pedigree Limousin bulls finished on average 17 days earlier than the average of all calves sired by the main native breeds (Aberdeen Angus, Hereford, Stabiliser, Beef Shorthorn and South Devon).

* This difference equates to a reduction of more than 2.5kg CO2 equivalents of greenhouses gases per finished animal (17*151g).

Limousin genetics produce up to 30% less daily methane emissions relative to other breeds for the same level of productivity and performance

Chief executive of the British Limousin Society, Alice Swift, says: “The more we understand the data, the more significant an opportunity this could be for retailers targeting net zero. This data provides clear evidence for the efficiency beliefs around Limousin cattle that many farmers have claimed for decades. It means that retailers looking to reduce emissions across their core beef ranges can do so in the most efficient way possible to help ensure the beef sector remains profitable for farmers and affordable to consumers.”

Ms. Swift pointed out the inefficiency of animals sired by natives in the dairy beef sector vs continentals. Of the calves born since 2013, AHDB’s beef evaluation set shows only 15% of native breeds deliver an R grade or better in the EUROP Grid, meaning no pence per kilo deductions, whilst continental breeds deliver at 66%.

It's this data that Ms Swift says should make the Government consider continental breeds when developing incentives, payments, and schemes for the sector.

“Bringing this type of data analysis into the beef industry is essential if we are to make the right long term decisions. There has been much discussion over supporting native breeds and incentives to graze, but to what end? A fair playing field for all British beef breeds, including those with continental heritages would provide greater space for breeding and purchasing decisions to be based on reducing emissions and driving efficiency across the sector."

Ms. Swift says there are four key areas that should be a priority for 2024.

Genomics – Genetic data can reveal so much information about individual animals. From health to growth patterns and breeding benefits. Every farmer and all those who buy beef will have differing priorities but lower emissions have to unite the industry. Government and retailers need to prioritise and support the sector in further understanding the data that can deliver long-term sustainable benefits and greater efficiency.

Consumer understanding – The data shows that Limousin is the most sustainable beef in terms of emissions (up to 30% fewer daily methane emissions). There is a place for promoting different breeds in different ways and much has been invested to gain consumer awareness of some native breeds. However, when considering the bulk of UK purchases at mid or value tiers, Limousin presents a significant opportunity.

Age to slaughter – Chasing lower ages to slaughter is key to reducing emissions.

Feed intake – The difference between high and low intake animals is real – some animals are consuming almost double the dry matter intake to achieve the same level of performance. The Government has made a good start to investing in feed efficiency projects, however, it is only with better genotyping and sector data that will allow the industry to breed more sustainable animals.