A new project to cut greenhouse gas emissions is targeting methane-emitting cows and sheep.
Methane-emitting cows and sheep are the target of a new research project to cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change.
Livestock are the third largest source of carbon emissions in Australia, with a beef cow grazing in northern Australia believed to produce 1,500 kilograms of carbon per year.
Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke on Wednesday unveiled a $26.8 million program in support of 18 projects over four years as part of Labor's climate change research program.
"Some of this goes to breeding options, some of it goes to better feed options, some of it goes to dealing with the bacteria in the stomach of the animal to try to reduce the amount of methane that then comes out of the mouth," Mr Burke told ABC Television.
He conceded the farming sector would need to bear increased transport and fertiliser costs, but said the alternative would cost Australia far more.
"There is no cost-free method of dealing with this."
The costs of doing nothing were "much, much greater".
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