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New Enemy in Climate Fight: Methane-Heavy Sheep Burps

Methane from livestock may cause more emissions than automobiles

By Clay Dillow,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 26, 2009 11:09 AM CST

(Newser) – Big oil, coal-fired power plants, automakers and now sheep: As governments look to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, researchers are looking seriously at livestock, believed to contribute more than cars via the methane gas they belch during digestion, the Wall Street Journal reports. To that end, researchers in New Zealand are trying everything from altering diets to altering genetics to create less-gassy sheep.

To convert more energy from grasses, livestock like cows and sheep have a unique digestions process that produces hydrogen, which microbes called methanogens convert into methane. That methane accounts for 48% of New Zealand’s greenhouse-gas emissions (compared to 10% in the US). No major breakthroughs in methane reduction yet, but the recent mapping of the methanogens’ genome holds promise for a less-flatulent future.

Fuzzy friend, or silent killer? Livestock, mostly sheep, account for 48% of New Zealand's greenhouse-gas emissions.
Fuzzy friend, or silent killer? Livestock, mostly sheep, account for 48% of New Zealand's greenhouse-gas emissions.   (AP Photo)
Though some farmers are skeptical, scientists say methane gas sheep emit via digestion is a greater threat to the Earth's climate than cars.
Though some farmers are skeptical, scientists say methane gas sheep emit via digestion is a greater threat to the Earth's climate than cars.   (AP Photo)
Scientists and industry groups in New Zealand have plowed millions into combating sheep emissions.
Scientists and industry groups in New Zealand have plowed millions into combating sheep emissions.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Feb 27, 2009 4:37 AM CST
Fewer humans = fewer food animals.
riffran
Feb 26, 2009 8:08 PM CST
good greif...first cow farts, the suggestions to milk rats instead, now sheep belching.....whats next chicken poop releasing ammonia, as the next big target....pphuuullleeeeeze
Guest
Feb 26, 2009 7:28 PM CST
Dumb

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