A calf born in Dumfries has made history as the first member of the UK’s longest-running livestock genetics project to be conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Hilda, the 16th generation of the renowned Langhill Herd, represents a groundbreaking achievement for the UK dairy industry.
Hilda is a key figure in the Cool Cows project, which aims to develop a nucleus of highly methane-efficient dairy cattle. As part of this project, her conception in a laboratory setting means the next generation of the Langhill Herd has arrived eight months earlier than expected, speeding up the genetic advancement process.
This leap forward in breeding efficiency could have a lasting impact on the dairy industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions. By using IVF technology, researchers are effectively doubling the rate of genetic gain, enabling them to more quickly accumulate data to breed cows that are both more efficient in production and more environmentally sustainable.
The collaboration behind the Cool Cows project includes Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Cumbria-based veterinary practice Paragon, and global genetics company Semex.
The initiative has secured £335,000 in funding through the Digital Dairy Chain’s Collaborative Research & Development Grant Competition, managed by Innovate UK.
Professor Richard Dewhurst, SRUC's project lead, explained the importance of this development: “With global dairy consumption on the rise, breeding livestock for sustainability is more crucial than ever. The birth of Hilda could be a game-changer for the UK dairy industry, as we use innovative genomic assessments to select elite, methane-efficient heifers for breeding.
“This project will rapidly expand the number of methane-efficient calves, accelerating our progress toward a more sustainable dairy sector.”
Rob Simmons, director and lead vet at Paragon, added: “As the first veterinary practice to receive an RCVS Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Sustainability, we are thrilled to be part of this important initiative. Genetic improvement in methane efficiency will be vital for providing nutritious food while reducing methane emissions, which is key for the future of the dairy industry.”
Stuart Martin, programme director of Digital Dairy Chain, highlighted the importance of the Cool Cows project: “We are excited to support this groundbreaking project. The environmental impact of farming is a pressing global issue, and innovative solutions like this are essential for the industry's future.
“The birth of Hilda marks a pivotal milestone with promising results for sustainable farming.”
The Langhill Herd, established in 1970, has been instrumental in advancing dairy farming practices in the UK. Notably, it led to the development of the Profitable Lifetime Index, which benefits dairy farmers across the country.
The herd’s genetic data, including five years of feed intake records, has also contributed to national genomic breeding values for feed efficiency, which are now available to farmers who genotype their cows.
Source - www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk
