USA – Zoetis and Danone have partnered to advance sustainable dairy farming through a new business development plan that leverages cutting-edge genetics.
This partnership is a significant step towards integrating sustainability into dairy farming practices by improving animal health and reducing environmental impact.
The collaboration leverages Zoetis’ expertise in animal genetics alongside Danone’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. It aims to breed healthier, more resilient cows.
One of the core focuses of this partnership is using genetic testing to predict an animal’s susceptibility to diseases and assess its overall health and productivity.
Zoetis’ genetic tools, such as the Dairy Wellness Profit Index (DWP$), provide dairy farmers with a robust metric for evaluating wellness traits like cow longevity, fertility, and milk quality.
This genetic insight enables farmers to breed more resilient cows that require fewer resources and have a higher lifetime productivity, aligning with Danone’s sustainability goals of promoting long-term resilience in dairy farming.
“Collaborative partnerships allow us to harmonize genetic innovation with sustainable practices,” stated Wafaa Mamilli, Zoetis’ executive vice president.
She emphasized that the integration of genetic technologies offers new benchmarks for animal health and environmental sustainability, key drivers in the future of dairy farming.
Research underscores genetics’ critical role in reducing the environmental impact of dairy farming.
For instance, studies have shown that improving cow genetics can reduce methane emissions, a major greenhouse gas associated with dairy farming.
A study published in Frontiers in Genetics demonstrated that selecting specific traits through genomic testing can significantly lower methane production in cattle, thus contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
Additionally, healthier cows with stronger immune systems lead to reduced reliance on antibiotics and medical treatments, further enhancing the dairy industry’s sustainability.
Jean-Yves Krummenacher, chief procurement officer at Danone, noted, “This partnership aligns with our vision of creating positive change throughout the dairy value chain.”
He emphasized that Zoetis’s genomic tools are vital in helping Danone realize its goal of incorporating sustainability into every aspect of dairy production.
The genetic innovations spearheaded by Zoetis enhance animal welfare and improve farm profitability by extending cows’ productive lifespans.
This aligns with broader consumer demands for sustainably sourced dairy products, which continue to grow globally.
Zoetis and Danone are setting a precedent for the dairy industry to follow by focusing on animal wellness, environmental impact, and farm resilience.
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