The beef Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) says the nation's livestock herd contributes more than 12 per cent of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.

That is because cattle produce methane gas by burping and passing wind.

Chief executive officer Dr Heather Burrow says it is a serious issue and the research is looking at reducing methane gas production from livestock and improving feed efficiency.

She says while cows are not the only emitters, the study should help to tackle environmental challenges.

"In terms of the amount of what cattle emit, we believe we can have a serious impact on the emission of greenhouse gases," she said.

"In a worse case scenario, a mature animal can emit about a 44 gallon drum of methane per day."

Source: ABC News Online