RBVs represent the initial release of alpha version breeding values.
Once a pipeline to deliver breeding values via BREEDPLAN is established for methane, they will become Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) as part of routine analysis delivered via participating Breed Societies.
The collaborative project involves the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), University of New England (UNE) and Angus Australia.
NSW DPIRD research officer, extensive livestock, Dr Tom Granleese said the project aims to develop tools enabling methane emissions traits to be included in beef cattle breeding objectives.
“Breeding for low methane emissions offers a practical and permanent solution to reducing emissions across the national beef herd,” Dr Granleese said.
“The newly published RBVs estimate genetic differences in methane production under feedlot and pasture conditions. Lower RBVs indicate animals are expected to produce offspring that emit less methane than the current average.”
Dr Granleese said selecting for low methane genetics alongside profit-driving traits like growth and fertility can deliver cumulative, permanent reductions in emissions over generations.
“This research paves the way for breeders to select animals that continue to be highly productive while also contributing to long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
Since 2022, the LMB project has recorded methane outputs from about 5000 animals in the Southern MultiBreed (SMB) and Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP) herds.
Measurements were taken on steers at UNE's Tullimba feedlot and on heifers grazing NSW DPIRD research sites using GreenFeed emissions monitoring systems.
Managing director of Meat and Livestock Australia, Michael Crowley said this milestone delivers an additional trait enabling producers to balance breeding objectives for both environmental and productivity gains.
“Reducing methane emissions is essential for the industry, it can now be considered alongside other profit-driving traits such as growth, fertility, and carcase quality,” Mr Crowley said.
More information on the project is available from the DPI website - www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.
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