Bugs to tackle methane from cattle
27 July 2000
Bugs to tackle methane from cattle
BRITISH scientists plan to feed cattle a daily dose of bacteria to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gas methane, reports the Financial Times.
Cows, and to a lesser degree sheep, are responsible for nearly a quarter of worldwide methane emissions.
Researchers at Scotlands Rowett Institute have come up with a bacterium found in soil which breaks down methane into less harmful carbon dioxide.
The team believes the bacterium could cut cows methane emissions by 20% and UK emissions by 6%.
The FT says, contrary to popular belief, nearly all methane produced by cattle and sheep is released by belching, not through their guts.
- Farmers look to cow power, FWi, 13 April 1999
- Research backs official pledge to reduce methane, FWi, 12 November 1999
- Cattle feed claimed to cut methane, FWi, 13 April 2000
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