A tool for monitoring the biodiversity of Swiss livestock

EPFL researchers have created an online platform for monitoring the genetic diversity of livestock and the sustainability of animal farming in Switzerland. This project, which was developed in partnership with the Federal Office for Agriculture, could serve as a model for other countries. "With the GenMon platform, our aim was to develop a practical tool for automating the process of monitoring livestock in Switzerland," explains Solange Duruz, a PhD student in the Laboratory of Geographic Information Systems (LASIG) and lead author of the article, which appeared in the journal PLOS One . "It's really important to monitor Swiss livestock breeds because it enables us to maintain their genetic biodiversity and prepare for climate change. Several local breeds, such as the Original Braunvieh or the Evolénarde, may produce less milk than the average Holstein, but they tend to be more resilient to a warmer climate. So they're worth preserving.' Combining numerous criteria - The GenMon app calculates each breed's position on a vulnerability scale. It combines numerous criteria and incorporates the results of key studies in this field.