Crossbreeding can benefit both dairy and meat production associated with the dairy production. In this PhD project, Kresten Johansen addressed genetic factors associated with feed efficiency, meat quality and methane emissions in crossbred growing cattle. Growth and efficiency of growing heifers is influenced not only by the breed, but also the conditions the heifers are raised under. A better understanding of breed performance under different environments is important to secure the full potential of crossbreeding. Choosing the right beef sires for breeding to dairy dams has an impact on not only the quality of the meat but also the methane production of the offspring. Uncovering the potential of heritable variation of feed efficiency, meat quality and methane emission provides valuable insights in the future perspective of improving meat quality while lowering the climate impact through selective breeding.

The PhD study was completed at Center of Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Wednesday, 8 January 2025 at 9:00
Place: Building 1632, room 201, AIAS, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of PhD thesis: ‘Feed efficiency, methane emission and meat quality: New phenotypes and genetic influences in crossbred youngstock’
Contact information: Kresten Johansen, e-mail: kresten.johansen@qgg.au.dk, tel.: +45 60 79 03 00
Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Mike Coffey, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Livestock Breeding, Food Security Challenge Centre, Scotland's Rural College, United Kingdom
Researcher Pauline Martin, Institut national de la recherche agronomique - INRAE, France
Professor Luc Janss (chair), Center of Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Denmark
Main supervisor:
Associate Professor Albert Johannes Buitenhuis, Center of Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Denmark
Co-supervisor:
Senior Researcher Morten Kargo, Center of Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), Aarhus University, Denmark

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English
The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C.