Zoetis and Danone have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable practices in modern dairy farming through genetic advancements for healthier cows. By merging Danone’s dedication to environmental stewardship with Zoetis’ expertise in animal genetics, the partnership seeks to revolutionize how the dairy industry approaches breeding with a focus on sustainability.
The joint business development plan will enable Danone to utilize Zoetis’ advanced genetic technologies on a global scale. This initiative will focus on integrating sustainable practices into dairy genetics and selection processes, prioritizing animal welfare, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing the long-term resilience of dairy farming.
“Collaborative partnerships enable us to align genetic innovation with sustainable practices. Through our alliance with Danone, we aim to utilize our collective expertise to establish new standards for healthier herds that support a sustainable future for the dairy industry,” stated Wafaa Mamilli, EVP and Chief Digital & Technology Officer, and Group President for China, Brazil, and Precision Animal Health at Zoetis.
To support dairy producers in achieving their sustainability goals, Zoetis offers genetic testing solutions that predict an animal’s susceptibility to costly diseases and its potential for lifelong health and productivity. This approach aligns with Danone’s commitment to fostering dairy production that emphasizes environmental resilience.
“We are excited to embark on this journey with Zoetis. Together, we are dedicated to using genomic testing as a crucial tool to embed sustainability at the core of our practices. This partnership is in line with our vision of driving positive change throughout the dairy value chain,” said Jean-Yves Krummenacher, Chief Procurement Officer at Danone.
The Role of Genetics in Dairy Sustainability
In 2023, Zoetis joined Danone’s global Partner for Growth program as the preferred provider of genetic testing on dairy farms, specifically utilizing the Dairy Wellness Profit Index® (DWP$®) from CLARIFIDE® Plus. DWP$ is a comprehensive multi-trait animal ranking index that assesses critical wellness traits, including cow and calf wellness, production, fertility, functional type, longevity, livability, calving ability, and milk quality traits, as well as polled test results. By employing this unique selection index, Zoetis can estimate the potential lifetime profitability of Holstein and Jersey cattle within a dairy operation. Incorporating DWP$ into breeding and culling decisions empowers dairy farmers to develop healthier, more resilient animals, ultimately enhancing profitability when combined with effective management practices.
Zoetis is driving innovation in genetic testing by demonstrating how genetic enhancements can lead to improved environmental, resource, and operational sustainability outcomes for farmers. Recent studies analyzing animal performance, genomic data, and financial records highlight the sustainability benefits, including methane reduction, increased farm profitability, and enhanced animal welfare. This collaboration aims to help dairy producers enhance sustainable production practices while improving animal health and farm performance.
Together, the partnership aspires to positively influence the environment, extend cow longevity, bolster farm resilience, and satisfy the growing consumer demand for sustainably sourced dairy products. For more information on Zoetis’ extensive portfolio of dairy genetic solutions, visit ClarifidePlus.com.
