Sheep giving off lower methane emissions are being bred by scientists now looking to see if they can produce leaner meat and more lambs.
Methane from livestock is responsible for 33 per cent of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions. As part of international agreements, New Zealand is committed to cutting these emissions.
"New Zealand has the issue that they can't do this by cutting urban emissions or planting trees," AgResearch senior scientist Suzanne Rowe said.
Scientists at Invermay have been involved in a five year programme to measure whether breeding sheep for low methane is likely to affect reproduction, productivity and health.
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