Is it possible to breed low-emission cattle and sheep?
A group of Australian researchers and industry leaders think so and they are putting $19 million towards making it happen.
The University of New England, Armidale (UNE) is collaborating with Angus Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia and the NSW Department of Primary Industry to develop genetics to breed livestock that emits less methane.
The project is in line with the beef industry's goal to reach zero carbon emissions by 2030.
"We have always been keen to look at measuring the traits related to methane emissions on our cattle so in the future we can select Angus bulls that will produce lower methane but still be productive," Angus Australia's general manager for genetic improvement Christian Duff said.
Mr Duff said the company's involvement in the project was driven by the consumer.
"There is no doubt there is a trend towards people wanting to be aware of where their product comes from and its impact on the environment.
All in the genetics
UNE researchers are confident that, through the project, they can achieve a steady and permanent reduction in methane emissions from livestock.
Two UNE professors will investigate how to improve the genetic make-up of sheep and cattle.
Over the next five years, they will measure the methane output of 8,000 cattle and 10,000 sheep living in both feedlot and grazing conditions.
The variation between different animals will be analysed and data used to predict which of those animals have genetics that may lower the emissions they produce.
Associate Professor Sam Clark will research the beef component, and said both projects could result in a 25 per cent reduction in methane emissions in livestock by 2050.
"A plausible amount to expect from genetic technologies is about 1 per cent methane reduction per year," he said.
"It's a bit like your interest rate for the bank, it just keeps accumulating on top of itself."
The project is scheduled to start later this month.
