July 11, 2007

Less burping cows can reduce global warming
 

Getting cows to burp less can help fight climate problems as fewer belches can diminish greenhouse gas emissions, according to a British scientist.

Using modern plant-breeding methods to find new diets for cows that are easier to digest and provide proper balance of fibre, protein and sugar is the key, said Michael Abberton, a scientist at the UK-based Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research.

This could pave way for plant-based solutions as alternatives to reducing stock with farmers seeking ways to cut methane emissions amid warming climates, Abberton said during a briefing on farming and climate change at London's Science Media Centre.

He noted the average dairy cow belches out about 100 to 200 litres of methane each day, a clear indication that the cattle's diet change could reduce greenhouse gas.

Agriculture is responsible for about seven percent of UK greenhouse gas emissions and a large proportion of two of the most potent gases with 37 percent of methane and 67 percent of nitrous oxide.

Greenhouses gases are said to be culprits for global warming which will cause a rise in average temperatures by between two and six degrees Celsius by the end of the century, causing droughts, floods and violent storms.

Abberton said feeding easier-to-digest legumes that tend to reduce methane emissions is an example of an introductory approach scientists are beginning to explore. Legumes such as clover and alfalfa are commonly used for animal fodder.

It also requires farmers to balance cows' legume intake with other food and to develop different species of grass that are also more digestible, he added.