Cow gas study not just hot air
Scientists have launched a multi-million dollar
project to reduce flatulence in cows, hoping that a drop in gas can help in the
fight against global warming.
Scientists have launched a multi-million dollar project to reduce flatulence in cows, hoping that a drop in gas can help in the fight against global warming.
The project aims to breed more efficient cows that convert their food into more milk and less methane, one of the greenhouse gases blamed for rising temperatures across the planet.
“We’re looking at feed conversion efficiency,” said Dieter Adam, a manager at New Zealand’s Livestock Improvement Corporation. “We want fuel-efficient cows.”
In 2003, the New Zealand government attempted to impose a methane tax on farmers because their livestock was responsible for more than half the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.
But the so-called “fart tax” was dropped after protests from farmers.
Are you surprised that a politician — anywhere — would try to tax farts?
Posted: Mon - August 21, 2006 at 09:42 AM