Quantcast
Kiwi Scientists Make Cow Fart Breakthrough PDF Print E-mail
Written by Charlie Lawton   
Sunday, 22 June 2008

Cross-posted from Envirowonk

The New Zealand agricultural research bureau has announced important breakthroughs in controlling greenhouse emissions from cows. The answer lies in the rumen -- the organ cows use to digest grass -- with the help of symbiotic bacteria. Those bacteria break down cellulose and release copious quantities of methane, which are expelled from the cow in due course. However, as methane is a greenhouse gas, countries involved in ranching are increasingly concerned with reducing the greenhouse impact of these unfortunate body functions.

The Kiwi scientists have mapped the genome of the symbiont bacteria in the rumen, and identified the genes that control methane formation. They hope that, eventually, genetic engineering will provide a means to switch this gene off, reducing the impact of cow farts on the global climate. As New Zealand plans to enact greenhouse cap-and-trade schemes soon, reducing cow flatulence may take on important policy ramifications.

Note from Envirovore: Of course, eating meat doesn't have to mean eating cows. See our recent posts on the regional and ecological sensibility of switching to rabbits, insects, or wild game.

Comments (26)Add Comment
0
Of course
written by eco_bio_veg, June 23, 2008
Note: Of course, we could eat meat from the few animals that can graze on unfertile lands. Of course, we could simply not use fossil fuels and allow cows to fart! Of course, we could simply not eat meat! Of course, creating genetically modified bacteria as a solution is just nuts and irresponsible and shouldn't even be considered by people who consider themselves environmentalists concerned with what they eat!
0
http://www.nikedirect.net/
written by Nike shoes, April 20, 2010
Welcome to shop http://www.nikedirect.net/.
0
...
written by nike air max, April 26, 2010
He barely blinks, Alife Shoes while Earl Woods is heard saying in the background:"Tiger, I am more prone to be inquisitive to promote discussion. The elder Nike air force is heard saying while his son looks solemnly into the camera. More air max http://www.nikeairmax.org/ shop.
0
puma shoes
written by puma shoes, May 14, 2010
show many kind with shoes of puma
0
power balance
written by power balance, May 25, 2010
Hot Promotion.& Free Shipping
power balance wholesale
bakugan toy
finger skate
0
...
written by rolex watch, May 26, 2010
,in a sense,it means a great deal to me.
0
...
written by http://www.watcheslux.com, June 21, 2010
very wonderful article, thanks
0
timberland 6 inch boots
written by timberland mens roll top, July 02, 2010
That must be the story ofinnumerable timberland 6 boots couples,and the pattern of life it offers has a homelygrace.It reminds you of a timberland6 inch boots placid rivulet,meanderingsmoothly through green pastures and shaded by pleasant timberland mens custom trees,till at last it fallsinto the vastly sea; but the sea is so calm,so silent,so indifferent,timberland men chukka that you are troubledsuddenly by a vague uneasiness. Perhaps it is only by a kink in my timberland womens premium boots nature, strong in me even inthose timberland mens chukka days,that I felt in such anexistence,the share of the great majority,something mens timberland boots amiss.I recognized its socialvalue.I saw its ordered happiness,but a womens timberland boot fever in my blood asked for awilder course.There seemed to me something alarming in such easy delights.In myheart was desire cheap timberland boots to live more dangerously.I was not unprepared for jagged rocks and treacherous,shoalsit I could only have timberland eye boat change-change and theexcitement of unforeseen. http://www.timberland6inch.com/
0
UGG boots
written by UGG boots, July 09, 2010
Great thanks for sharing this article post.
0
GHD straighteners
written by GHD straighteners, July 09, 2010
I loved the editorial.It is very interesting.Thank you for the information
0
cheap jerseys
written by cheap jerseys, July 09, 2010
I am always searching online for articles that can help me get further ahead. Thanks a million!
0
MBT shoes
written by MBTshoes, July 09, 2010
Thanks for this! I’ve been looking all over the internet for it.
0
nike air max
written by nike air max, July 10, 2010
HaHA! I have already seen the great thing!!ohye.
0
jordan shoes
written by jordan shoes, July 10, 2010
Enjoyed every bit of your blog.Thanks Again. Great.waha.
0
timberland shoes
written by timberland shoes, July 10, 2010
good article, I wait for the next article ..haha,
0
coooooool
written by designer shoes, July 13, 2010
I loved the editorial.It is very interesting.Thank you for the information
0
I like your style so much, I am your honest reader.
written by cheap clothing, July 13, 2010
I like your style so much, I am your honest reader....
0
...
written by loho, July 18, 2010
0
airjordan
written by cheapjordan, July 26, 2010
http://www.brandshoeshopping.c...15_p1.html excellent lebron james shoes
http://www.brandshoeshopping.com/products/Kobe-Bryant-Shoes-c214_p1.html discount kobe bryant shoes
0
ged
written by prom gowns, August 03, 2010
Aw, this is a really quality site. http://www.mypromdresses.eu/ buy prom dresses at mypromdresses.eu
0
supra shoes
written by supra shoes, August 09, 2010
0
http://www.killersneakers.com
written by cheap jordan shoes, August 14, 2010
This essay writing is very good, I like it very much, thank you for sharing
0
...
written by True Religion jeans, August 18, 2010
I was very happy to find this site. http://www.cmonc.com I wanted to say many thanks to you with regard to this good post!! http://www.cmonc.com I undoubtedly liked every little bit of it and I've you bookmarked to look into new stuff you post.
0
nike air max 2009
written by nike air max 2009, August 19, 2010
Good news,in here we will troduce
0
http://www.kicksexpress.com
written by reteo jordan shoes, August 25, 2010
This article is very good. I like it very much
0
...
written by supra shoes, August 30, 2010
There seemed to me something alarming

Write comment
smaller | bigger

security code
Write the displayed characters


busy
 
< Prev   Next >

Are you an Envirovore?

It's true what our moms said...we are what we eat. In fact, it's truer than they thought. What I eat doesn't just affect me anymore, it affects all of us.

Unfortunately, the story of food can sometimes be complicated. But envirovores help each other out...which is why this blog will be bringing you news, tips, and information about food and the environment every step of the way.

Weekly Updates

RSS

rss