Breeding cows who fart less could help save our planet

By Jim Leffman via SWNS

Breeding cows that fart less could play a large part in protecting the planet from climate change, scientists have revealed.

Low-emission cows could be bred from genetic traits and reduce the amount of the greenhouse gas methane emitted into the atmosphere.

Scientists from Australia's Curtin University also said that restoring farmland to wetlands or forest would also have a significant impact in reducing greenhouse gases.

Study lead Merideth Kelliher said: “Studies have found low emission cattle have inheritable genetic traits which can significantly reduce methane production if included in national breeding objectives.

“While more research is needed to identify the best traits for low emission cows, consideration should also be given to land use emissions and identifying suitable agricultural land for restoration to natural habitat.”

The team from the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute analyzed 27 academic publications and identified dozens of potential strategies to reduce methane emissions.

They found the food system, including grazing animals such as cows, generates major sources of methane mainly due to cattle digestion, manure decomposition and land use for grazing.

As well as this, they also identified many other ways to reduce harmful emissions.

These included finding ways for cows to reach maturity faster, improving wastewater management at beef processing plants and providing ozonated water, water treated with ozone gas to remove impurities.

Feeding cattle more grains than grass and adding certain legumes, seaweeds or other compounds to cattle feed were also all worth investigating, according to the study published in the journal Climate.

Co-author and Curtin Professor of Sustainability Dora Marinova said this was the first time such analysis had been conducted.

She said: “This study outlines several potential strategies which are practical, cost-effective and scientifically supported to help inform local and international policy makers’ efforts to reduce the impact of climate change.”