Investment of $1.2 Million to Enhance Low-Methane Sheep Breeding in New Zealand
A $1.2 million investment aims to increase farmer adoption of low-methane sheep genetics in New Zealand, enhancing emissions reduction capabilities. The funding extends the Cool Sheep® Programme for one additional year and includes research on feed efficiency and methane emissions.

The $1.2 million investment will support the Cool Sheep® Programme for another year, focusing on the accuracy of breeding values for low-methane sheep. It includes a trial with 100 young females and 200 males to assess feed efficiency differences between high and low-methane sheep, with results anticipated later this year.
In total, 5,000 sheep will have their methane emissions measured to improve genetic data. This initiative is backed by the Ag Emissions Centre, AgriZeroNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, and the Ministry for Primary Industries. The results could motivate more farmers to adopt low-methane rams, aligning with international emissions reduction goals.




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