Promising results from Ireland’s first large-scale methane measurement study

Genetic selection of low-methane-emitting ruminant livestock has been limited

The study is the first large-scale measurement of methane emissions in Irish beef cattle and one of the largest studies conducted worldwide.

The first large-scale study to measure methane emissions in Irish beef cattle conclusively shows that some beef cattle can produce up to 30% less methane emissions, on average, for the same level of productivity.

Researchers say the project, which was led by Teagasc in collaboration with University College Dublin (UCD) and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), is the first stride towards identifying and ultimately breeding low-methane-emitting cattle in a bid to improve the environmental sustainability of the national herd.