Sky News Daily Cool cows: The cattle challenging climate change
Oct 23, 2025
Thomas Moore, Sky News science correspondent and expert on scientific topics, dives into the fascinating Cool Cows breeding programme aimed at reducing methane emissions from cattle. He explains how selective breeding can lower greenhouse gas output without altering meat or milk quality. The discussion spans diet changes, potential feed additives, and the broader implications of agricultural practices on climate. Moore also highlights the significance of consumer choices in driving sustainable food systems, making this a truly engaging conversation.
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Methane's Outsized Climate Role
- Cows and other farm animals contribute at least 12% of global methane emissions, with livestock making up about a third of methane overall.
- Methane traps far more heat than CO2 but decays in ~12 years, so cutting methane yields fast climate benefits.
On-Site Visit With Calves
- Thomas Moore visited the calves and described them as cute, feisty, and well bedded on straw.
- He noted they produced lots of manure but the environment in the pen didn't smell strongly to him.
Measuring Methane Per Calf
- Scotland's Rural College measures individual calves' methane with a feed hood and ear tags to track producers precisely.
- Selective breeding of low-methane parents reduces offspring emissions progressively, about 2% per generation.