Selecting for more methane efficient cattle and sheep

Breeding for livestock that produce lower methane emissions, whilst maintaining or improving productivity has the potential to be a permanent and cumulative strategy for the minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions. The main tool required to make this strategy a reality is the creation of genomic Estimated Breeding Values (gEBVs) for greenhouse gas emission traits. Previous research has shown that methane emissions traits in beef cattle, dairy cattle and sheep are heritable, and that breeding for lower methane emissions is possible. This project will measure a large volume of animals. These animals will be recorded for greenhouse gas emission traits, simultaneously with production traits, to underpin gEBVs to allow for effective and accurate selection for reduced methane emissions.

Funder: Zero Net Emissions from Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre
Awarded amount: A$7,600,285.00