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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
11:02
The Use of an Automated System (GreenFeed) to Monitor Enteric Methane and Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Ruminant Animals
Published on: September 7, 2015
More feed efficient sheep produce less methane and carbon dioxide when eating high-quality pellets
Journal of Animal Science
|October 10, 2017
Summary
Making sheep more feed efficient reduces methane production. Selecting for lower feed intake or residual feed intake in young sheep can decrease methane and carbon dioxide emissions in adult sheep.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Agricultural Science
- Genetics
Background:
- The Australian sheep industry seeks to enhance production efficiency by reducing feed intake.
- Feed intake is linked to methane production; more efficient animals (lower residual feed intake) consume less feed.
- Understanding genetic correlations is key to improving sheep productivity and environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that more feed-efficient sheep produce less methane.
- To investigate genetic correlations between feed intake, residual feed intake, methane, carbon dioxide, and oxygen.
- To identify potential indicator traits for early selection in sheep breeding programs.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of feed intake, methane, oxygen, and carbon dioxide were taken on Merino ewes at postweaning, hogget, and adult stages.
- Individual feed intake was recorded using automated feeders, and methane was measured using portable accumulation chambers.
- Heritabilities and phenotypic/genotypic correlations were estimated using ASReml.
Main Results:
- Oxygen and carbon dioxide showed higher heritability than methane.
- Decreasing feed intake or residual feed intake significantly reduces methane and carbon dioxide production (genetic correlations ranging from 0.65 to 0.96).
- Early selection at postweaning or hogget stages for feed intake, feed efficiency, methane, or carbon dioxide is effective for improving adult traits and reducing generation intervals.
Conclusions:
- The hypothesis that feed-efficient sheep produce less methane is supported.
- Carbon dioxide is a viable indicator trait for feed intake due to its high heritability and strong correlations.
- Early selection strategies can accelerate genetic gains in the sheep industry for improved feed efficiency and reduced emissions.
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