The Low Methane Beef (LMB) project has reached a major milestone, releasing its first genomic Research Breeding Values (RBVs) for methane emissions in beef cattle.
RBV's refer to the initial release of alpha version breeding values. Once a pipeline to deliver breeding values via BREEDPLAN is built for methane, they will become Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) as part of routine analysis delivered via participating Breed Societies.
This is a collaborative project between 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 goal of this project is to develop tools that enable 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 expected to produce offspring that emit less methane than the current average.
"Selecting for low methane genetics alongside profit-driving traits like growth and fertility can deliver cumulative, permanent reductions in emissions over generations.
"This project now provides the first genomic RBVs for sires used in the program, which is a significant step forward, giving breeders the tools to make informed decisions.
"This research paves the way for breeders to select animals that continue to be highly productive whilst also contributing to long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions."
Since its inception in 2022, the LMB project has recorded methane outputs from approximately 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.
These measurements were collected alongside other performance traits. Together these pieces of data have been used to develop RBVs for the sires included in the project. This represents the first step toward incorporating methane traits into routine genetic evaluations such as BREEDPLAN.
Managing Director of Meat and Livestock Australia, Michael Crowley said this milestone delivers an additional trait that enables producers to balance breeding objectives to deliver 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.
"These research breeding values currently apply to animals within the project cohorts. Further investment is underway to expand data collection across more animals, which will improve accuracy and enable these breeding values to be delivered routinely to industry.
"The Low Methane Beef project is a great example of collaborative innovation, providing breeders with genomic tools that enable multi-trait selection and support long-term sustainability across the beef supply chain."
University of New England (UNE) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Moran said, the presentation of the first genomic RBV's for methane builds on UNE's proud history of undertaking novel research to tackle the key challenges facing Australia's livestock industry.
"While these values are still in the research phase, their future commercial delivery through BREEDPLAN will give the beef industry the practical tools to reduce emissions," Professor Moran said.
"Delivering cutting edge, industry relevant research also underpins UNE's mission of training world leading agricultural and rural scientists who will continue to lead the way in measuring and reducing emissions in our national herd."
