Sheenagh Hallinan

Sheenagh will be undertaking a project that aims to investigate the pasture traits linked to enteric methane mitigation in grazing dairy systems. Enteric methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, is of particular importance as it has a global warming potential 27 times greater than CO2, and agriculture accounts for 38% of Ireland’s total emissions. Ireland, along with over 110 other countries, has signed the Global Methane Pledge, an international agreement which commits to decreasing methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.

As a by-product from fermentation and digestion in ruminants, enteric methane also represents a direct energy loss to the animal. Therefore, reducing these emissions can simultaneously increase the energy available for other requirements, such as milk production. Grassland management is a potential tool that can help achieve this. This research will broaden the understanding of the impact pasture traits has on enteric methane. The research will be used in developing superior pasture attributes and management practises to mitigate enteric methane emissions in Irish grazing dairy systems.

To achieve this, Sheenagh will conduct both indoor and outdoor animal trials, all the time developing her existing experience in livestock handling and data collection and will gain expertise in enteric methane emissions as well as grassland management.