New Research Reduces Methane From Livestock

By Scout Nelson

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is part of a $27.4 million global project aimed at reducing methane emissions from livestock. Backed by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Global Methane Hub, the initiative focuses on identifying cattle that naturally emit less methane and promoting these traits through genetic breeding.

“Methane from cattle is one of the most elegant solutions we have to slow climate change,” said Andy Jarvis. “We’re backing an effort that uses age-old selection practices to identify and promote naturally low-emitting cattle.”

Leading the Nebraska research is a team that will study methane emissions in beef cattle, exploring how genetics influence these levels and how this connects to other important traits like feed efficiency and profitability. The goal is to provide tools that help producers make informed breeding decisions.

“This initiative is a cornerstone of a broader global push to accelerate public-good research on enteric methane,” said Hayden Montgomery. “We’re building an open, coordinated foundation that spans countries, breeds and species — delivering practical solutions that reduce emissions and support farmers worldwide.”

The Nebraska project, worth $2.34 million, adds to two other major methane-focused studies at the university. One $5 million USDA-funded project is researching the connections between genetics, gut microbes, and nutrition. Another $5 million effort is improving tools to measure greenhouse gas emissions from grazing cattle. 

Researchers say selecting cattle with naturally low methane emissions can lower total emissions by 1% to 2% per year, potentially achieving a 30% reduction over 20 years—without changing feeding routines or infrastructure.

“This work brings together the best of science, industry and the global breeding community to accelerate genetic improvement for methane efficiency worldwide,” said Roel Veerkamp.

By using traits already present in cattle herds, this approach makes it easier to cut emissions while maintaining productivity, benefiting both the environment and the livestock industry.

Photo Credit:nebraska-extenstion