Using sophisticated screening equipment, scientists at SRUC in Edinburgh have been able to vastly accelerate the process of testing different genotypes of Napier grass, a popular forage in sub-Saharan Africa. This suggests, say the scientists, that “it will be possible to select for low methane accessions that promote animal production”. The UK-CGIAR Centre project is a partnership between SRUC, ILRI and EIAR. The UK-CGIAR Centre project – Defining new phenotypes for forage improvement based on rumen function and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – is a partnership between SRUC and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). “Climate change has a significant impact on millions of livestock farmers, herders and their families across Africa and Asia,” explained Professor Jamie Newbold, who is leading the research.