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.