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Genetically modifying cows so they burp and fart less - that's one of 40 initiatives to reduce emissions being considered by the cattle and sheep industry.

Researchers are investigating the merits of selective breeding to alter the genetic makeup of certain breeds of cows and sheep.

The new breeds would produce less methane in a bid to reduce the impact of farming on the environment.

The research is part of 100 initiatives, dubbed Target100, aimed at delivering sustainable cattle and sheep farming by 2020.