One of the more unusual pieces of equipment at last week’s Royal Show was William Taylor’s prototype Livestock Power Mill.

This device involves cows walking on a treadmill belt while eating, thereby generating electrical power via roller shafts at front or rear of the treadmill belt. Suckler cows would be best suited, says Mr Taylor, and possibly dairy cows – although in this case it might involve a trade-off between milk reduction and power generated.

It also solves the problem of cattle not getting enough exercise when housed in winter.