Rearing Sheep with Lower Methane Emissions
New Zealand's historic low-methane sheep breakthrough
In a groundbreaking milestone for New Zealand's primary industry, scientists have successfully bred the world's first low-methane-emitting sheep. This development could significantly reduce the agricultural sector's greenhouse gas emissions.
A 10-year research study led by AgResearch, the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium (PGgRc), and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, has resulted in sheep that produce fewer greenhouse gases. This is a significant step towards addressing the climate change concerns surrounding the livestock sector.
Ruminants, including sheep, produce methane through burping as a byproduct of their digestion. Within New Zealand, the majority of methane emissions come from cows, but the agriculture industry is seeking ways to lower its impact on climate change.
The research team established that some sheep naturally produce lower emissions, a trait that can be passed on to subsequent generations. To determine the methane emissions of animals, scientists employed respiration chambers and portable accumulation chambers (PACs), which provided measurements for further analysis.
In order to breed these low-emitting sheep, researchers began by creating two closed flocks of high- and low-emitting animals. AgResearch scientist Dr. Suzanne Rowe reported a cumulative gain, with a 1% reduction in methane emissions in the first year, and a 1% reduction per generation afterwards.
Importantly, the low-emitting sheep are not only better for the environment but also maintain their ability to produce good meat and wool. This means farmers can adopt these sheep without compromising farm profitability or animal health.
From 2022, farmers will have access to low-methane rams through Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics. The industry is encouraging ram breeders to have their animals measured in AgResearch's portable chambers to calculate methane breeding values.
The New Zealand agricultural sector's achievement offers a promising example of practical solutions to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Reference:
- Maggie Kerrigan, The Science Learning Hub (2021), Low-methane sheep could help reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions, Rural Delivery, November 17, https://www.screen.co.nz/resources/national/show-rd/low-methane-sheep-could-help-reduce-new-zealand-s-greenhouse-gas-emissions-767 [Accessed on 19th Nov 2021]
additional information:
The research on low-methane sheep has been recognized with the Supreme Award at the 2021 Science New Zealand Awards. The Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching has a number of resources available for those wanting to further explore the scientific, ethical, and social issues associated with animal research.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approved a new substance for import and/or manufacturing in New Zealand in 2023. The substance, which will contain 10-25% 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), will be used as a feed additive to reduce methane emissions in livestock.
In the realm of health-and-wellness, environmental-science, and medical-conditions, the development of low-methane sheep is significant as it addresses climate change concerns related to the livestock sector. This research has resulted in sheep that produce fewer greenhouse gases, contributing to a reduction in New Zealand's agricultural sector's greenhouse gas emissions.
