Methane Oral Sample Test (MOST) (2026-2027)

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas produced naturally by livestock during digestion, and reducing these emissions is critical for environmental sustainability and the future of farming. Current methods for measuring methane are costly, invasive, and unsuitable for large-scale use. This project aims to develop a reliable, cost-effective, and animal-friendly oral swab-based test to predict methane emissions in cattle and sheep. Building on previous research that demonstrated oral microbes as strong indicators of methane production, the project will develop a practical oral microbiome collection tool designed to minimise host contamination, paired with a one-stop streamlined analysis pipeline for accurate emission prediction. It will also determine the minimum number of animals required at each site to achieve robust and reliable predictions, ensuring the tool is both scientifically rigorous and practical for farmers. The final stage will bring these components together into a functional