GENETICS could be used to decrease methane emissions from cattle.
Early results from research by the NSW Department of Primary Industries has shown the potential to select for cattle with lower methane emissions.
The work, carried out at the University of New England campus at Armidale, has been the biggest test of its kind.
And it has prompted key researcher Kath Donoghue to speculate there could be estimated breeding values for methane within a few years.
Dr Donoghue said it was possible to select stock with lower emissions. Early results had shown this may not mean the selection of lower-performing animals.
"Early results are showing there is no antagonistic relationship between methane and growth and body composition," she said.
"We need a better understanding of the relationship with the profitability traits.
"But it could be that down the track there is a dollar index for environmentally friendly production. That could be that you buy a bull that is regarded as a low methane animal, and it will breed for low methane progeny."
Dr Donoghue said it could also mean producers may be able to apply for carbon credits.
"Cattle and sheep emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, but there are few technologies available to mitigate methane emissions in extensive beef production systems," she said.
"Genetic improvement is capable of producing small but permanent and cumulative changes in performance.
"It's also particularly useful in extensive production systems as found in the majority of Australian herds.
"Results from this study, along with other published estimates, indicate there may be some potential to use genetic improvement to reduce methane emissions in livestock. But further investigations involving larger numbers are needed."
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