$1.2M Investment Boosts Low-Methane Sheep Genetics to Cut Emissions on NZ Farms

The funding extends the Cool Sheep Programme for another year. The programme gives farmers the ability to identify and select low-methane rams for breeding, the same way they select traits such as growth, wool quality and fertility.

The funding backs further research to strengthen the accuracy of the breeding value for methane.

The programme will also explore whether low-methane sheep convert feed more efficiently – a development which, if correct, could entice more farmers to breed from low-methane rams.

Backed By Science and Industry Collaboration

The initiative is supported by a partnership between AgriZeroNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Ministry for Primary Industries, and the Ag Emissions Centre.

Research is being delivered by scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

Proven Methane Reductions Through Genetics

Dr Suzanne Rowe, senior scientist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute and leader of the low-methane breeding research programme, says breeding for low methane has proven to be a highly effective mitigation tool.

"Since establishing flocks of high and low-methane-emitting sheep, we've measured an average difference of around 18% in methane emissions between the two groups," Rowe says.

The new research includes a feed efficiency trial with around 100 young female sheep and 200 growing males, with results expected later this year.

“This trial will give us clear evidence of how high and low-methane sheep differ in the way they use feed, which will help us understand whether selecting for low methane also boosts efficiency,” she says.

Over the next year, the Cool Sheep® Programme will also measure methane emissions and collect genetic information from 5,000 sheep to strengthen the accuracy of the breeding value.

Industry Leaders Highlight Long-Term Benefits

AgriZeroNZ chief executive, Wayne McNee, says the public-private partnership supports the programme to help build the evidence and support wider uptake on-farm.

"The beauty of genetics is that it fits in with current farming practices and results are permanent, cumulative, and should stack with other tools for even greater emissions reductions over time.," McNee says.

“By combining our efforts, we can help ensure farmers have access to mitigation tools that not only suit their business, but strengthen its long-term resilience and performance too,” he adds.

Kate Acland, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chair says the farmer-owned organisation is pleased to support the programme into its next phase.

“Farmers are rightly focused on productivity and profitability. This programme will help to establish if there is a genetic link between high feed conversion efficiency and low methane emissions," Acland says.

"By stepping up the research, and collecting more data from sheep across the country, we’re supporting farmers to breed with confidence.”

Naomi Parker, executive director of the Ag Emissions Centre, adds that the investment is a core part of the Centre's ongoing commitment to supporting the development of practical emissions reduction tools.

“This initiative combines research, investment, and partnership to help give farmers confidence that they can reduce emissions without compromising productivity.

“Continued testing, breeding and genetic analysis will strengthen the science behind the programme and support farmer uptake."

Investments Critical

McNee says investments like this are critical to positioning New Zealand agriculture for the future.

“Most of our major export customers have set ambitious emissions reduction targets which cover their entire value chain, including the New Zealand farms which produce the meat they buy.

“Being able to show credible progress matters to maintain our market access and reputation as a world-leading producer.”