The demands placed on dairy cows today are more complex than ever. It’s no longer just about producing milk. Modern cows must thrive under pressure from rising input costs, climate challenges and evolving consumer expectations. The ideal cow now needs to be productive, efficient and environmentally sustainable. In short, she must be ready for the future.
At Cogent Breeding, we’re helping farmers meet this challenge head-on. Through innovative genetic tools and forward-thinking solutions, we’re supporting herds that deliver on performance, profitability and environmental responsibility.
Putting Sustainability at the Heart of Breeding: Eco$ and ECo²
Genetics are a powerful lever for change, especially in the drive for sustainable farming. That’s why our partners at STGen developed Eco$, a targeted index that puts feed efficiency first. It helps identify animals that convert feed into milk more effectively, reducing both costs and environmental waste.
To take this further, ECo² combines feed efficiency with longevity and productivity to measure an animal’s potential carbon savings. This simple yet effective index guides farmers towards breeding choices that reduce emissions and improve lifetime efficiency. With over 14 years of research behind it, ECo² gives farmers confidence to move towards a lower-carbon future.
EcoFeed®: Turning Innovation into Action
EcoFeed® is another key part of our sustainability toolkit. Recognised with the IDF Dairy Innovation Award in Climate Action, EcoFeed measures how efficiently animals convert feed into energy. This helps reduce methane emissions and feed waste, which are two of the biggest contributors to a dairy farm’s environmental footprint.
We’ve also extended this innovation beyond dairy. With EcoFeed BoD (Beef on Dairy), we bring the same benefits to surplus dairy calves. By using elite Angus sires from our beef portfolio, farmers can now produce calves that grow faster, use feed more efficiently and have a smaller environmental impact. This approach improves the value of dairy beef while creating a more sustainable supply chain.
A Whole-Farm Strategy: Eco$, EcoFeed and PrecisionDNA
While each of these tools is valuable on its own, the real power comes when they are used together. PrecisionDNA, our genomic testing service, gives farmers insight into the genetic potential of each animal. It highlights traits linked to feed efficiency, methane reduction and long-term productivity.
Combining PrecisionDNA with Eco$ for breeding decisions and EcoFeed BoD for managing surplus calves creates a joined-up strategy. Farmers are empowered to make informed choices that benefit the entire herd, from milk production to beef output and overall environmental impact.
What’s Next: Eco$ and ECo² in the 2025 Holstein Portfolio
From April 2025, both Eco$ and ECo² will be included in our Holstein Portfolio, making them more accessible to farmers as part of their everyday breeding decisions. These tools have been designed to support the needs of future farming, where sustainability is no longer optional but essential.
By including these indexes in sire selection, we’re making it easier to align breeding goals with environmental targets, without compromising on productivity or profit.
A Shared Vision: Genetics That Support Progress
At Cogent, we believe that sustainability and profitability should work together. It’s not a trade-off. It’s a smarter, more resilient way of farming. By combining world-class genetics with a practical understanding of on-farm needs, we’re helping farmers breed animals that are built for the challenges ahead.
With tools like Eco$, ECo², EcoFeed and PrecisionDNA, we’re not just supporting better herds. We’re helping shape a better future for dairy and beef farming alike.
