Kangaroo farts could ease global warming
Article from: Agence France-Presse
December 06, 2007 11:56am
AUSTRALIAN scientists are trying to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep in a bid to cut the emission of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming, researchers say.
Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroo flatulence contains no methane and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas.
While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a billowing smokestack pushing out carbon dioxide, livestock passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions in some countries.
"Fourteen per cent of emissions from all sources in Australia is from enteric methane from cattle and sheep,'' said Athol Klieve, a senior research scientist with the Queensland Government.
"And if you look at another country such as New Zealand, which has got a much higher agricultural base, they're actually up around 50 per cent,'' he said.
Researchers say the bacteria also makes the digestive process much more efficient and could potentially save millions of dollars in feed costs for farmers.
"Not only would they not produce the methane, they would actually get something like 10 to 15 per cent more energy out of the feed they are eating,'' said Mr Klieve.
Even farmers who laugh at the idea of environmentally friendly kangaroo farts say that's nothing to joke about, particularly given the devastating drought Australia is suffering.
"In a tight year like a drought situation, 15 per cent would be a considerable sum,'' said farmer Michael Mitton.
But it will take researchers at least three years to isolate the bacteria, before they can even start to develop a way of transferring it to cattle and sheep.
Another group of scientists, meanwhile, has suggested Australians should farm fewer cattle and sheep and just eat more kangaroos.
The idea is controversial, but about 20 per cent of health-conscious Australians are believed to eat the national symbol already.
"It's low in fat, it's got high protein levels it's very clean in the sense that basically it's the ultimate free range animal,'' said Peter Ampt of the University of New South Wales's institute of environmental studies.
"It doesn't get drenched, it doesn't get vaccinated, it utilises food right across the landscape, it moves around to where the food is good, so yes, it's a good food.''
It might take a while for kangaroos to become popular barbecue fare, but with concern over global warming growing in the world's driest inhabited continent, Australians could soon be ready to try almost anything to cut emissions.
7th December 2007 05:14 AM
corgi37
We are so considerate, aint we Daeth?
7th December 2007 08:58 AM
mojoman
"This new learning amazes me, Sir Bedemir. Explain again how sheeps' bladders may be employed to prevent earthquakes"
7th December 2007 09:45 AM
open-g
Are Kangaroo-burgers any good?
8th December 2007 04:26 AM
corgi37
Kangaroo steaks are bloody delicious!
8th December 2007 06:07 AM
Daethgod
i don't mind roo meat
makes me a bit jumpy tho ..
8th December 2007 06:41 AM
open-g
Maybe the hunting skills need to be improved
8th December 2007 12:50 PM
bilsim
Gotta love the aussies
8th December 2007 12:55 PM
gimmekeef
Thats all well and good...but until Joey is corralled in Omaha the problem will persist...
8th December 2007 07:37 PM
mojoman
quote:gimmekeef wrote:
Thats all well and good...but until Joey is corralled in Omaha the problem will persist...
a joey or the joey?
Search for information in the wet page, the archives and this board:
The Rolling Stones World Tour 2005 Rolling Stones Bigger Bang Tour 2005 2006 Rolling Stones Forum - Rolling Stones Message Board - Mick Jagger - Keith Richards - Brian Jones - Charlie Watts - Ian Stewart - Stu - Bill Wyman - Mick Taylor - Ronnie Wood - Ron Wood - Rolling Stones 2005 Tour - Farewell Tour - Rolling Stones: Onstage World Tour A Bigger Bang US Tour
NEW: SEARCH ZONE:
Search for goods, you'll find the impossible collector's item!!!