NZ tests on flatulent sheep

NEW ZEALAND scientists are conducting tests on sheep. Their flatulence produces methane, thought to be a contributor to global warming. The scientists want to find out more about methane gas emissions.

They have set up instruments downwind of flatulent and burping livestock. New Zealand has 50m sheep and 3.7m humans. Ruminant livestock is responsible for 70% of the countrys methane emissions and belching sheep account for half of that.