Genetic Selection
Some cows emit less methane than others, without any drop in yield.
Genetic selection helps farmers breed lower-emission, more efficient dairy herds over time.
The Climate Issue
Every cow is different. Some eat more feed, some walk more kilometres, and some produce more milk solids per kilogram of intake. That efficiency also affects methane.
On average, two cows eating the same diet can emit different levels of greenhouse gases. Less efficient cows produce more methane and waste more energy per litre of milk. These small differences, multiplied across a herd, shape the farm’s carbon footprint.
Yet for years, breeding decisions were made mostly on yield and fertility. Emissions weren’t measured – and low-emission cows were not prioritised. That’s now changing.


The Solution: Genetic Selection
Key Benefits with Genetic Selection
Lower Emissions
Each new generation emits slightly less methane per kg milk. That adds up over years – helping farms hit targets without changing feed or housing.
Lifetime Efficiency
Less nitrogen lost means more available for crops. Protected Urea helps you get more from every kilogram applied, improving yields and reducing input needs over time.
No Extra Cost
Genetic improvement comes with no additional daily costs. It builds into your existing breeding plan and delivers both performance and climate benefits.
Impact of doing Genetic Selection
- Cut enteric methane by 10–15 % over 10 years
- Improve feed conversion by 2–4 %
- Reduce GHG per litre of milk by 0.03–0.06 kg CO₂-eq
- Deliver €50–€90/year more per cow in performance gains

Scenario
|
Genetic Focus
|
Net Gains / 100 cows
|
GHG Emissions
|
% GHG Reduction
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Low Genetic Focus |
€135 EBI |
- |
0.960 kg CO₂-eq/kg milk |
0% kg CO₂-eq/kg milk |
Medium Genetic Focus |
€175 EBI |
€3, 500 |
0.934 kg CO₂-eq/kg milk |
2.7% kg CO₂-eq/kg milk |
High Genetic Focus |
€210+ EBI + CH₄ Index |
€7 ,800 |
0.900 kg CO₂-eq/kg milk |
6.3% kg CO₂-eq/kg milk |
Considerations
Long Term Strategy
Genetic gains are not instant. It takes several years and consistent breeding to see a measurable drop in emissions. But once achieved, gains are permanent and cumulative.
Data & Index Use
System Fit
Low-emission genetics work best when supported by strong management. To maximise gains, ensure your system supports high-efficiency cows with good feed, health, and grazing infrastructure.

Implementation
- Use high-EBI bulls. Select sires ranked highly for fertility, solids, and environmental efficiency. Over time, your herd performance will shift.
- Track your herd. Use ICBF tools to monitor cow efficiency and emissions traits. Focus on high-performing replacements and cull low-efficiency animals.
- Stay consistent. Genetic gains compound. Maintain a high-quality breeding programme each year to maximise climate impact by 2030 and beyond.
Behind the Research
ODOS Tech was founded by Cian White and Alejandro Vergara, two sustainability specialists with deep expertise in agricultural climate action.
Cian, a researcher at Trinity College Dublin with a background in environmental science, works on restoring nature to increase biodiversity on farms by using satellite images to track trees, hedgerows, and other habitats. Alejandro, a PhD researcher at University College Dublin, helps farmers measure their carbon emissions footprint and implement mitigation strategies to reduce their impact.
Together, they helped lead the carbon and nature-based work for the Farm Zero C project at Shinagh Farm, one of Europe’s first net-zero dairy pilots. At ODOS, they build smart, science-based tools to help agri-food businesses protect the environment and restore nature.

Research
Teagasc & ICBF EBI Studies
Joint research shows that each €10 increase in EBI reduces emissions per kg milk by 0.5-1.0 %. Top herds using genetic selection outperform on both emissions and profitability.
Farm Zero C Pilot
At Shinagh Farm, herd selection using high EBI and feed-efficiency traits showed strong reductions in emissions intensity without changing feed or infrastructure.
IPCC & Breeding Guidance
The IPCC identifies breeding for lower emissions intensity as a long-term climate strategy. Combined with feed and manure strategies, it offers a scalable path to reduce livestock climate impact.
Ready to reduce emissions through Genetic Selection?
Talk to our Carbon Footprint & Biodiversity experts on how we can help.