Zoetis and Danone have announced a partnership to enhance sustainable dairy farming practices through advanced genetic solutions. By leveraging genetic testing technologies, the collaboration aims to breed healthier cows while promoting animal welfare and reducing environmental impacts.
Zoetis, a global leader in animal health, and Danone, a multinational food-products corporation, have unveiled a joint business development plan aimed at enhancing sustainable practices in dairy farming through advanced genetic solutions. This partnership seeks to merge Danone’s commitment to environmental stewardship with Zoetis’ expertise in animal genetics, focusing on breeding healthier, more resilient cows.
The collaboration is designed to enable Danone to leverage Zoetis’ state-of-the-art genetic technologies on a global scale. It emphasizes the integration of sustainable practices within dairy genetics and selection, prioritizing animal welfare while minimizing environmental impacts and promoting long-term resilience in dairy operations.
“Collaborative partnerships allow us to harmonize genetic innovation with sustainable practices. Through our partnership with Danone, we intend to leverage our respective expertise to set new benchmarks for healthier herds that contribute to a sustainable future for the dairy industry,” stated Wafaa Mamilli, EVP, Chief Digital & Technology Officer, and Group President for China, Brazil, and Precision Animal Health at Zoetis.
Harnessing Genetic Testing for Sustainable Dairy Production
As part of its commitment to empowering dairy producers with innovative solutions to meet sustainability goals, Zoetis offers genetic testing solutions that can predict an animal’s susceptibility to diseases, ensuring they remain healthy and productive throughout their lives. This aligns with Danone’s vision of supporting dairy production that focuses on environmental resilience.
Jean-Yves Krummenacher, Chief Procurement Officer at Danone, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We really look forward to embarking with Zoetis on this journey. Together, we are committed to utilizing genomic testing as an important tool for incorporating sustainability at its core. This partnership aligns with our vision of creating positive change throughout the dairy value chain.”
The Impact of Genetics on Dairy Farming Sustainability
Zoetis joined Danone’s global Partner for Growth program in 2023, becoming the preferred provider for genetic testing on dairy farms. The Dairy Wellness Profit Index® (DWP$®), available exclusively through CLARIFIDE® Plus, is a multi-trait selection index that evaluates critical wellness traits, including cow and calf health, production, fertility, functional type, longevity, livability, calving ability, and milk quality. By integrating DWP$ into breeding and culling decisions, dairy farmers can create future generations of healthy, resilient animals that contribute to higher lifetime profitability.
Zoetis is revolutionizing the application of genetic testing by demonstrating how genetic improvements can lead to enhanced environmental, resource, and operational sustainability outcomes. Recent studies have highlighted the potential benefits of genetic advancements, including sustainability improvements, methane reduction, increased farm profitability, and enhanced animal welfare.
Future Aspirations and Market Impact
The partnership aims to make a positive impact on the environment, increase cow longevity, improve farm resilience, and address the growing consumer demand for sustainably sourced dairy products. By combining genetic advancements with best management practices, Zoetis and Danone are poised to lead the dairy industry towards a more sustainable future.
For more information on Zoetis’ comprehensive portfolio of dairy genetic solutions, visit ClarifidePlus.com.
About Zoetis
Zoetis is the world’s leading animal health company, driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. With over 70 years of experience in innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness, Zoetis supports a wide range of animal caregivers, including veterinarians, pet owners, livestock farmers, and ranchers. The company’s extensive portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies make a significant difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenues of $8.5 billion in 2023 and employs approximately 14,100 people worldwide.
For more details, visit www.zoetis.com.
