Advancing Climate-Resilient RUMinant Farming Systems INtegrating Genomics, Environment, and Management StrATEgies

RUMINATE is a Horizon Europe project working to make European ruminant farming more climate-resilient, sustainable and efficient. It brings together expertise in animal nutrition, genetics, environmental science and digital technologies to develop practical solutions for reducing methane emissions in cattle and improving heat stress resilience in sheep. By combining scientific innovation with farm-level validation and stakeholder engagement, RUMINATE aims to support more sustainable livestock production across diverse European farming systems.

Objectives and Vision:

RUMINATE addresses two major and interconnected challenges facing European livestock farming: reducing methane emissions from cattle and improving heat stress resilience in sheep. The project aims to support the transition towards climate-resilient, low-emission livestock systems while maintaining productivity, animal welfare, biodiversity and economic viability.

What Sets RUMINATE Apart:

RUMINATE combines nutrition, genetics, environmental data, digital technologies and stakeholder engagement in a holistic approach. By integrating genomic and phenotypic evidence with practical farm-level interventions, the project will develop scalable solutions tailored to different livestock production systems.

How It Will Do It:

RUMINATE will:

• assess livestock production systems, feeding practices and available digital resources;
• generate harmonised genomic and phenotypic datasets for cattle and sheep;
• test nutritional interventions for methane reduction and heat resilience through in vivo trials;
• develop genomic prediction tools, nutritional protocols, genetic marker panels, predictive models and a Decision Support Tool;
• validate solutions through farm demonstrations and co-create them with stakeholders through Future Farming Design Studios.

White Research’s Role in RUMINATE:

White Research leads activities on synergies and networking, policy analysis and policy recommendations. WR will coordinate the Network of Interest, establish collaborations with relevant European and international initiatives, assess EU and national policy frameworks, and develop recommendations supporting the uptake of climate-resilient livestock practices.