Scientists at the University of Alberta in Canada are currently doing genetic research to isolate the genes in cows that are responsible for the methane production in the animal’s four stomachs.
The methane emitted by cows accounts for approximately two thirds of all methane released into the atmosphere and is up to 20 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. The research the Canadian scientists are doing hopes to isolate the gene responsible for the production of methane in cows and allow farmers to breed a more enviromentally friendly animal.
The scientists have already conducted tests to breed animals that emit 25% less methane.
Scientists and farmers in New Hampshire have already had considerable success in reducing methane missions in dairy cows by changing their feed and adding alfalfa, hemp and flax – higher quality feed rich in essential oils that do not ferment in the cow’s stomachs. The changes in feed has seen the animals product 12% less greenhouse gasses.
With these advancements in reducing bovine emissions, those evil cow farts and burps will soon no longer be as much of a threat to our environment.
