Heifer calves at Tauwhare research farm, near Hamilton. Photo credit: Stephen Barker / Barker Photography. ©LIC Photo: Stephen Barker
Dairy herds in New Zealand contribute just under half of New Zealand's agricultural livestock emissions, which in turn make up about half of New Zealand's overall emissions, according to Dairy NZ. But a livestock company is making progress in breeding animals that carry traits for lower methane emissions. Livestock Improvement Corporation, or LIC, working with breeding company CRV, has proved that bulls with lower methane producing traits do pass those characteristics on to their daughters. Scientists at LIC say they hope to be able to contribute 5 to 15 per cent towards New Zealand's 2050 emissions reduction target. Dr Richard Spelman, LIC's Chief Scientist, joins Kathryn to discuss the next stage in the breeding programme.
