Stud flocks: Measuring methane emissions in your animals

As part of the three-year Cool Sheep® Programme, at least 5,000 methane measurements (phenotypes) of individual stud animals will be collected every year by AgResearch Limited, using Portable Accumulation Chambers (PAC) trailers. These trailers enable accurate assessments of methane emissions from sheep.

The PAC data is combined with sheep genotyping to provide a methane breeding value.  Consequently, this programme will also support the wider use of genomic information in the national breeding flock. Greater genotyping of sires used across the breeding industry will generate breeding values for methane (and other traits) for as many sires used at stud and in the commercial industry as possible, providing additional benefits for national genetic gain.

How it works:

• AgResearch has multiple trailers with small portable accumulation chambers (PAC) that estimate daily methane emission for individual sheep. In this way, breeders can have their sheep measured on their own farm. Trailers are located in both the North and South Islands.

• The one-visit process will measure up to 168 eligible animals (from 14 sires) at a single site as part of the Cool Sheep Programme. This involves two days of testing - the PAC trailer can measure 12 animals at a time and up to 7 groups can be run daily.

• Additional animals beyond 168 can be measured at the breeder’s full cost during the same visit on an additional testing day (84 animals required per additional day)

• Options exist for breeders with fewer than 168 eligible animals (from 14 sires) 

Watch the short video clips below to hear first-hand experiences from breeders measuring emissions in their flocks.

Alastair Reeves, Waimai Romney	Russell Proffit, Raupuha Stud

 

Stud breeders interested in measuring methane emissions from their flock can find more information here: www.methanebv.co.nz.   

Expression of Interest booking requests are now closed for 2025.

Stud Breeders wanting to measure methane emissions in their flocks can contact AgResearch directly at AGPACService@agresearch.co.nz. No further funding is available to measure methane emissions under the Cool Sheep® Programme.