AFBI scientist addresses EU expert group on methane

Dr Tianhai Yan of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Hillsborough was invited to attend an expert group meeting held in Catania, Italy with scientists from across Europe (UK, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Italy and Finland).

The meeting was funded by the EU as part of a research project called METHAGENE

The funds came from the EU COST programme (European Co-operation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research), which is the longest-running European framework supporting trans-national co-operation among researchers, engineers and scholars across Europe.  It is a unique means for scientists to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all fields in science and technology through pan-European networking of nationally funded research activities.

This ‘METHAGENE’ group of leading international scientists met to exchange their ideas and discoveries as part of a joint large-scale study into methane measurements in individual ruminants.  One of the underlying objectives is to understand the nature of the genetic variation between animals for methane loss with the ultimate goal of eventually being able to advise on the breed of more efficient animals.  This would lower the carbon footprint of meat and milk production and probably also increase the efficiency of production to the benefit of the farm business.  The meeting focused on methods of evaluation of agricultural methane emission, including validating easy to measure and inexpensive indicators closely related to enteric methane emissions of cattle and sheep.

Dr Yan made a 30-minute presentation to the expert group entitled: ‘Enteric methane prediction models – accuracy and robustness’, based on respiration calorimeter chamber studies with dairy and beef cattle undertaken at AFBI Hillsborough during the last 20 years.

It is through such international research ventures that AFBI scientists are able to maintain a world leading expertise in greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production.  This is helping them develop farm relevant solutions that can lower the environmental footprint of our local agricultural livestock sector to help protect and enhance Northern Ireland’s clean and green reputation for food production.

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DARD and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies. 

AFBI's Vision is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland … serving the world”.

 All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office 

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