Use of feed intake as an indirect selection trait for reduction of methane emissions in grazing beef cattle

Abstract

In Australia, cattle are the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector. Genetic selection for lower emitting cattle can be attempted by direct or indirect selection. A short fed domestic index has been used to predict the genetic gain in beef cattle traits with feed intake or methane production used as selection criteria with various assumed carbon prices. Indirect selection for reduced methane emissions via feed intake was predicted to be more cost effective than direct measurement via methane emissions. It is suggested that pasture feed intake of cattle is preferable to residual feed intake, measured in a feedlot, as a selection criterion for grazing cattle. A pasture intake measurement system to assist such genetic selection is being developed.