Explained: Why New Zealand is trying to breed sheep that will emit less methane

Emissions, or put less politely, farts and burps, from ruminants such as sheep and cows, are a major contributor to methane in the atmosphere.

Emissions, or put less politely, farts and burps, from ruminants such as sheep and cows, are a major contributor to methane in the atmosphere. (Representational Image)

New Zealand has started what it says is the world’s first genetic programme to address the challenge of climate change by breeding sheep that emit lower amounts of methane.