Launch of the NEW BEEF International Associated Laboratory

Research

The NEW BEEF International Associated Laboratory (IAL), coordinated by Gonzalo Cantalapiedra-Hijar (INRAE, UMR Herbivores) and Guangyong Zhao (China Agricultural University – CAU), has just been officially approved by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and by INRAE. Bordeaux Sciences Agro, through M.P. Ellies, is a partner in the project. Its formal signature is expected in the fall of 2025, during the INRAE CEO’s visit to Beijing.

Launch of the NEW BEEF International Associated Laboratory

Contribute to the sustainability of cattle farming systems by improving feed efficiency, circularity, and meat quality in the context of climate change mitigation.

Context

Demand for beef is experiencing contrasting trends in France and China. While consumption is declining in Europe due to environmental and health concerns, it continues to grow rapidly in China. In this context, the two countries share common challenges: improving food self-sufficiency, reducing the environmental footprint of livestock farming, and ensuring meat quality that meets consumer expectations.

Objectives and areas of research

The NEW BEEF project focuses on three main areas :

  • WP1: developing innovative nutritional strategies to improve feed efficiency in cattle and reduce nitrogen emissions.
  • WP2: evaluating the overall efficiency and circularity of integrated crop-livestock systems compared to specialized systems.
  • WP3: Predict and improve the nutritional and sensory quality of meat in a context of climate change and dietary transition.

Partners

This international joint laboratory brings together:

  • On the French side: INRAE, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, ISARA Lyon.
  • On the Chinese side: College of Animal Science and Technology and State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition (China Agricultural University, Beijing).

Bordeaux Sciences Agro will contribute more specifically to Work Package 3, dedicated to predicting and improving meat quality. The school will bring its recognized expertise in meat science, nutrition, modeling, and biostatistics, in close collaboration with INRIA (National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology), and will play a key role in integrating sustainability indicators and training future engineers and researchers through student exchanges, seminars, and co-supervision of theses.

Perspectives

The NEW BEEF project aims to develop joint innovations for sustainable cattle production, combining zootechnical performance, reduced environmental impact, and improved meat quality.

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