NZ tests on flatulent sheep

27 August 1997

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.