Cows with the same production level can vary in methane emissions per day. The Methane Saved breeding value represents the amount of methane a cow produces per day, regardless of her milk production. By breeding for Methane Saved, milk production remains stable or even increases, while methane emissions per cow per day decrease. This results in fewer grams of methane per kilogram of milk.
The Methane Saved breeding value is a relative breeding value with an average of 100 and is expressed in methane emissions per cow per day. A higher breeding value means lower daily methane emissions without negatively impacting milk production. This makes it possible to effectively breed for lower methane emissions per kilogram of milk. In addition to the online catalogue, the Methane Saved breeding value will be available in HerdOptimizer for female animals as well.
More background information about methane and the Methane Saved breeding value.