Research cooperation HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein and Rinderzucht Austria officially launched with two GreenFeed systems
In a large-scale research project called Breed4Green , led by Rinderzucht Austria (Austrian Cattle Breeders' Association), strategies for the sustainability of cattle farming be developed over the next few years, focusing on energy-efficient breeding and the reduction of methane emissions. Two mobile GreenFeed systems from HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein are collecting important data for this project.
The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, ZuchtData, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, LKV Austria, regional control associations, breed working groups, breeding associations, and practical and educational farms are all collaborating intensively on the project. International research partners (Belgium, Germany, etc.) are also involved. The research project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture (BML), is led by Rinderzucht Austria.
State-of-the-art technology - two mobile GreenFeed systems
With the help of two mobile GreenFeed systems from the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, important baseline data for the breeding-related management of methane and CO2 emissions be collected for the first time on working farms in Austria. The loan agreement for this purpose was signed on November 28, 2023, by Director Direktor Johann Johann ( HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein) and Chairman Ing. Sebastian Auernig (Rinderzucht Austria).
Over the next three years, the devices will be used not only at the research farm in Gumpenstein, but also by Rinderzucht Austria (Austrian Cattle Breeders' Association) on numerous commercial farms. The GreenFeed devices will be set up in free-stall barns for several weeks. Emissions will be recorded for each individual cow several times a day. A small amount of concentrated feed (approximately 1 kg/day) encourages the cows to voluntarily approach the GreenFeed devices. During feed intake, a standardized, gentle airflow within the device measures the emissions. Based on calibration samples , extensive existing datasets from the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein ( Forestry) , the methane emissions per animal per day will be determined.
Important data for the cattle industry
Furthermore, the research project will collect important additional performance and efficiency traits such as health, weight, body condition score (BCS), metabolism, energy intake, and mid-infrared (MIR) spectra of milk. Extensive existing data on feed intake, energy supply, and the MIR pattern of milk will be contributed by the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein and supplemented by data from farms participating in the cattle data network. The focus is on the genetic improvement of energy efficiency and methane emissions. The genetic potential of the direct trait of methane and CO₂ emissions , its relationships to health and other traits in the total breeding value, and the factors influencing the animals' methane emissions will be analyzed.
The new dataset will also be used to develop additional indirect breeding traits and MIR equations. Furthermore, the environmental impact of relevant milk and beef production systems in Austria will be investigated. The project lays the foundation for genomic selection for feed efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, thus making a significant contribution to climate protection through agriculture.
Just listen or watch:
In conversation with Dr. Andreas Steinwidder Dr. Thomas Guggenberger talks about the new research project breed4green - Direct and indirect characteristics for feed efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions for breeding and herd management in cattle.
