Researchers work to reduce emissions in dairy industry

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🗞️ Driving the news: A pioneering project in Inner Mongolia aims to reduce methane emissions from dairy cows by using genetic selection
• Scientists are identifying genes that enhance milk production, longevity, and minimize methane output, contributing to the fight against climate change

🔭 The context: Agriculture, especially livestock, is responsible for 40% of human-made methane emissions, a greenhouse gas with over 80 times the warming power of CO2 in its first 20 years
• The project uses methane-monitoring devices, machine learning, and genomic analysis to select cows with favorable traits

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Reducing methane emissions from dairy cows will help curb global warming, as methane is a major contributor to rising temperatures
• Developing low-methane cows aligns with China's broader goals of carbon peaking and neutrality

⏭️ What's next: The project will take several years to complete, with ongoing research on methane prediction models, cow selection, and optimal fodder and management practices
• The goal is to expand low-methane herds on a large scale

💬 One quote: "Developing a reliable methane emission prediction model takes at least two years... These exceptional cows will form the foundation of a breeding program" – Li Xihe, lead scientist on the project

📈 One stat: Agriculture accounts for 40% of global man-made methane emissions, with dairy cows being a significant contributor

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