Recognized for research on livestock and ways to reduce greenhouse gases

In Stockholm's City Hall, the same hall used for the Nobel Prize ceremony, Dr.. Karen Beauchemin received the Bertebos Prize on January 28, 2011. Based in the Lethbridge Research Centre in Alberta, Dr.. Beauchemin conducts research on reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from livestock that is now recognized internationally and gaining attention around the world.

The Bertebos prize is awarded every second year from the President of the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry to a scientist who demonstrates highly qualified, pioneering development methods in the area of food, agriculture, ecology or animal health.

Livestock contribute to GHGs through the methane produced during the digestion of feed as well as from the decomposition of manure. Thanks to the work of Dr.. Beauchemin and her colleagues, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is recognized as a world leader in measuring GHGs and in developing strategies to reduce emissions from agricultural activities. Dr.. Beauchemin is recognized internationally for her expertise in the areas of acidosis (a nutritional disorder in cattle), rumen function and the fiber requirements of cattle.

One aspect of Dr.. Beauchemin's research is developing ways to reduce the amount of methane produced by both beef and dairy cattle by feeding them different diets, and changing the way cattle are managed. Already, several new feeding strategies are showing promise to reduce emissions and could be easily transferred to other countries.

Dr.. Karen Beauchemin has been on a roll of recognition since the summer of 2010. It started in July, 2010 when she received the "Applied Dairy Nutrition Award" from the American Dairy Science Association for outstanding achievements in research, teaching, and extension in applied dairy nutrition. Later in October, Dr.. Karen Beauchemin joined her husband, Dr.. Sean McGinn (Conference Chair), in hosting over 400 delegates from more than 39 countries at the 4th International Greenhouse Gases and Animal Agriculture Conference in Banff, Alberta. Together they showcased their leadership as part of AAFC's team in developing strategies to reduce GHGs from animal agriculture.