Low-methane cattle breeding takes step forward
Australian researchers have developed new genomic Research Breeding Values (RBVs) for methane emissions, designed to help beef producers select cattle that combine improved productivity with lower emissions.
The development comes from the Low Methane Beef project, a collaboration between the University of New England, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Angus Australia and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).
Researchers have recorded methane emissions and performance traits from more than 5,000 animals since 2022. The new RBVs will be incorporated into BREEDPLAN and are expected to become available to producers from 2027–28.
The project aims to support long-term reductions in methane emissions through genetic selection while improving herd efficiency.
