WASHINGTON — Methane emissions from cattle are much higher than previously thought, according to a new U.S. government funded study.br br Research published in the journal Carbon Balance and Management says that previous data on methane emissions from livestock were off by 11br br Methane gas absorbs much more sunlight than carbon dioxide, and as a result, is a significant contributor to rising global temperatures.br br Previous research failed to account for developments in land and animal use, reported Forbes.