PROMISING METHANE EMISSIONS RESULTS IN IRELAND PUT LIMOUSIN IN BOX SEAT TO HELP THE BEEF INDUSTRY BECOME PART OF THE CLIMATE SOLUTION

Feed efficiency and earlier finishing age

It is thought that large reductions in methane emissions can also be achieved through management and system changes focused on achieving earlier finishing ages of slaughter cattle

Other work done by the ICBF on developing carbon footprint data incorporating lifetime emissions and feed and fertiliser requirements, indicates that moving cattle in Ireland from being finished off on grass in their third summer to their second summer can reduce lifetime carbon emissions by two tonnes per head Even achieving just a one month reduction in the finishing age could result in savings of up to 200 kg per head (Source: ICBF)

The early finishing ability of Limousin due to the presence of the F94L gene, means that Limousin progeny can be killed at younger ages compared to other breeds meaning that the Limousin breed is also well placed in this area

Moreover, the high feed efficiency of Limousins, due to the unique advantage that the F94L gene provides in dressing percentage, from increased muscling, means that animals can be killed at lower liveweights than other cattle targeting the same carcass weights. Therefore, the combination of reduced methane output from earlier finishing age and feed intake means Limousins with the F94L mutation are more efficient and have a lower lifecycle carbon footprint.

Given Limousin's performance in early genetic trials on methane emissions, plus the breeds capability to finish earlier and more efficiently, it is clear that Limousin are in the box seat to help the beef industry become part of the climate solution. So as cattle breeders, let's not get caught up with the injustices of livestock being unfairly blamed for global warming, instead let's focus on the positive role that livestock, in particular Limousin cattle, can play in being part of the climate solution.