Scientists are hoping to save the planet - by breeding cows that burp less.

Canadian researchers have used genetic studies to produce cattle that release 25% less methane - one of the main causes of global warming.

And they hope the technique can be extended to other gas-producing animals, reports The Sun.

Belching from 170 million cattle, sheep and pigs is responsible for a quarter of the methane released in America each year, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.