An alliance of six organic farmers, two industrial partners and scientists from Aarhus University is set to develop new methods for the housing and management of calves to reduce the high mortality rate in organic cattle herds.

Danish cows can leave a smaller impact on the environment in the future according to new research results from Aarhus University on feeding strategies and feedstuffs. The results were presented at a seminar on dairy cow nutrition held at Aarhus University’s research centre AU Foulum.

The Milk Levy Foundation has granted 12.7 million Danish kroner to a new research project where scientists from Aarhus University will be one of the parties investigating the sources of contagious mastitis and developing new effective control measures.

In a new project at AU Foulum the target is a 20 per cent reduction in methane emissions in cow burps. This could seriously reduce the agricultural impact on the climate.

Danish and Brazilian scientists have joined forces to improve the practical use of reproductive technologies in beef and dairy cows. The Brazilian partners have extensive practical experience and large amounts of data, while the Danes provide the research expertise in genetics and reproductive technologies.

Crossing of organic dairy and beef cattle is the subject of a new research project at Aarhus University to reveal whether there is a potential for theproduction of organic beef meat based on young crossbred cattle for organic farmers, who wish to specialise in beef production.