June’s Food for thought…

• Better feed, fewer burps: Scientists target dairy gas emissions
• World first genetic index helps Aussie farmers breed heat tolerant cows
• Towards Integrated, Inclusive, and Transparent Food Systems
• Tropical forests destroyed at fastest recorded rate last year
• Victorian government to draft regulations supporting virtual fencing for cattle

Better feed, fewer burps: Scientists target dairy gas emissions from Science Daily. Researchers from the University of Florida tested a new type of cattle feed made from flaxseed and pea protein that could help dairy cows release less methane and use nutrients more efficiently. The researchers tested the supplement in the laboratory and were excited to find that feeding the supplement reduced methane emissions but also had the potential to make more energy available to the cow for milk production, allowing greater efficiency from the diet. The findings of the study can be read in detail in the Journal of Dairy Science.

World first genetic index helps Aussie farmers breed heat tolerant cows from ABC News. A New South Wales dairy farmer is encouraging other farmers to breed heat tolerant cattle using an Australian-made tool. The Heat Tolerance Australian Breeding Value uses statistical analysis to help determine which animals are more susceptible to heat stress. Read the article

Towards Integrated, Inclusive, and Transparent Food Systems from the SDG Knowledge Hub. Food systems governance encompasses a variety of elements that contribute to its overall effectiveness, but vertical integration, inclusive governance, and financial transparency are the most critical. By integrating them thoughtfully, we can create resilient and sustainable food systems that meet the needs of all stakeholders. Read the full article

Tropical forests destroyed at fastest recorded rate last year from BBC News. The world's tropical forests, which provide a crucial buffer against climate change, disappeared faster than ever recorded last year, new satellite analysis suggests. Read the article

Victorian government to draft regulations supporting virtual fencing for cattle from ABC News. The Victorian government is paving the way for the use of virtual fencing, which would allow cattle farmers to use electronic collars to control stock movement. Dairy farmers have welcomed the legislative green light, saying it will improve productivity and animal welfare. Read the article