You will no doubt be aware that the methane in cow burps is a major source of greenhouse gases. There may now be a new way of addressing that problem.
Scientists all over the world are experimenting with ideas to reduce the amount of methane that emanates from cattle. Even Ben & Jerry's is at it. The popular ice cream maker is putting their cattle on a special diet of seaweed to reduce emissions of methane.
More recently, a new study shows that feeding cows clay reduces their methane emissions by over 30 percent. That is particularly good news because methane is approximately 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide at contributing to global warming, reports New Atlas.
In a pilot study conducted by Dr. Bhaba Biswas and colleagues at Australia's University of Newcastle, it was found that adding a modified form of the naturally occurring clay to regular cattle feed reduced the animals' methane emissions by more than 30 percent over a 24-hour period.
According to Biswas, the clay curbs the activity of gut microbes and parasites which produce the methane. The material appears to be harmless to the cattle - after all, they regularly ingest soil when grazing - and in fact could even have health benefits such as reduced gut acidity. It is ultimately passed with the feces.
More research still needs to be conducted, but it is hoped that the modified halloysite could eventually be sold in the form of inexpensive pellets or a paddock spray.
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