Cow farts collected in plastic tank for global warming study

pantsonfire321@aol.com · Fri Jul 11, 2008 3:46 am

Cow farts collected in plastic tank for global warming study

By Rupert Neate

Last Updated: 9:55PM BST 09/07/2008

Scientists are examining cow farts and burps in a novel bid to combat global warming.

REUTERS

Argentine scientists are strapping plastic tanks to the backs of cows

Experts said the slow digestive system of cows makes them a key producer of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that gets far less public attention than carbon dioxide.

In a bid to understand the impact of the wind produced by cows on global warming, scientists collected gas from their stomachs in plastic tanks attached to their backs.

The Argentine researchers discovered methane from cows accounts for more than 30 per cent of the country's total greenhouse emissions.

As one of the world's biggest beef producers, Argentina has more than 55 million cows grazing in its famed Pampas grasslands.

Guillermo Berra, a researcher at the National Institute of Agricultural Technology, said every cow produces between 8000 to 1,000 litres of emissions every day.

Methane, which is also released from landfills, coal mines and leaking gas pipes, is 23 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.

Scientists are now carrying out trials of new diets designed to improve cows's digestion and hopefully reduce global warming. Silvia Valtorta, of the National Council of Scientific and Technical Investigations, said that by feeding cows clover and alfalfa instead of grain "you can reduce methane emissions by 25 percent".

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 8:31 am

Do Not Screw With My Steak !

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 9:15 am

Ughh, I hate the job of strapping those tanks on, and measuring the amount of gas collected. :yh_sick

Trunk Monkey · Post by **Trunk Monkey** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 9:25 am

Wow! What a dangerous job that is . ..and I thought my job stunk :wah::wah:

shelbell · Post by **shelbell** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 1:59 pm

This is more info than I really needed! :wah:

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 2:05 pm

After a whole jar of Garners extra stong pickles I can give them heffers a run for their money:D

Post by **pantoandy** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 7:38 am

i would like to donate to this project

a beef vindaloo and nan bread please:wah::wah::wah:

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 8:08 am

Holy Cow!

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 8:16 am

pantoandy;915346 wrote: i would like to donate to this project

a beef vindaloo and nan bread please:wah::wah::wah:

ring_o_fire:D