Up to ISK 1,250 million (USD 20 million, EUR 14 million) could be saved if the Icelandic cow breed is replaced with a red-mottled Swedish cow species, which produces more milk, according to a report issued by the Agricultural University of Iceland on Tuesday.
Minister of Agriculture Einar K. Gudfinnsson said the report is a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion among farmers on whether a foreign cow species should be imported to increase milk production at a lower cost, ruv.is reports.
Gudfinnsson said the benefits of replacing Icelandic cows with their Swedish counterparts are obvious, though potential expenses need to be taken into account when deciding whether the cows should be replaced or not.
Despite the benefits of importing Swedish cows, the minister said it is not time to make a decision yet. Farmers have very different opinions on this issue.
The Icelandic cow breed is unique because it has been isolated in Iceland since Norse settlers brought it with them in the 9th century A.D. The cows are related to the Norwegian species and are characterized by a great variety in color.
