Breeding dairy cows adapted for organic production (Ø-KO-AVL)

2023

Organic dairy production is increasing in Denmark.

Currently only the farm management is specifically organic, the breeding part is still conventional. Consequently, cows for organic production are not genetically adapted to an organic environment, and the value of, e.g., climate impact and animal welfare are barely considered. The purpose of Ø-KO-AVL is to develop a breeding program that is adapted to organic dairy production and consumer preferences. We will quantify the benefits of a separate organic breeding program for Nordic Red dairy cattle (RDC), which is the Red dairy breed used in Denmark. The breeding strategy for DC is already aimed at increasing its ability for organic production, ensuring a high chance of implementation of an organic breeding program. The breeding goal (BG) will be defined using economic models and preferences of consumers, dairy companies, and farmers. Implementation of a specific organic breeding program is expected to reduce climate impact and improve animal welfare in organic dairy herds. This will enable the possibility of differentiating organic dairy products from conventional dairy products through breeding. The project will make it possible for VikingGenetics to market a specific organic breeding program, which will also give hem the chance to be pioneers on genetic material suited for the organic market. In addition, this project will give dairy companies the chance to market products with a specific organic breeding profile. Andelen af økologiske produkter er stigende i Danmark. Imidlertid er genetikken bag køerne i den økologiske produktion stadig konventionel. Køer til økologisk produktion er derfor ikke genetisk tilpasset det økologiske miljø, og public goods som klimapåvirkning og dyrevelfærd er derfor at udvikle et økologisk avlsprogram med forbedret tilpasning til økologiske produktionssystemer og forbrugernes præferencer. For at opnå dette vil vi definere et avlsmål baseret på økonomiske modeller og præferencer hos forbrugere, mejerivirksomheder og landmænd. www.orgprints.org

Udfører/hovedansøger Aarhus Universitet
Øvrige samarbejdspartnere Innovationscenter for Økologisk Landbrug P/S
VIKINGGENETICS FMBA
Københavns Universitet
NATURMÆLK A.M.B.A.
ARLA FOODS AMBA
SEGES Innovation P/S
THISE MEJERI A.M.B.A.
Projektets samlede budget DKK 9.496.408,00
Bevillingsstørrelse tildelt DKK 7.541.091,00