Cows bred to produce less methane in their burps could prove to be an important ally in the fight against climate change, scientists have told Sky News.

A groundbreaking breeding programme in Scotland is proving so successful that the amount of the greenhouse gas produced by cattle when they belch or break wind could fall by 40% in just 20 years.

Cows and other farm animals produce at least 12% of global methane emissions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

But reducing levels could have a significant impact on global warming.

The gas traps 80 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide in the first two decades after it's released. But it breaks down after only 12 years - so reducing emissions would have rapid results.

Professor Mike Co

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