There are round 1.5 billion cows on the planet being raised as livestock for issues like meat and dairy — and so they’re a local weather drawback we’ve struggled to resolve. Cows have a specialised digestive tract that permits them to digest powerful plant materials like grass or hay, however in that course of, methane is produced as waste, and the cows … burp it out. Methane is a greenhouse fuel that’s practically 25 instances stronger than carbon dioxide. In keeping with the Environmental Safety Company, these burping animals are thought of one of many largest sources of methane manufacturing in the US, making up practically 25 p.c of all methane emissions.
You’ve possible heard of some options to this. The loudest one might be the marketing campaign to get individuals to reduce their beef consumption or swap to meat alternate options. It’s an necessary resolution, however individuals are usually reluctant to do it. So as an alternative, some scientists are taking the eye off people and specializing in the weight loss plan of the cows. What they’ve discovered is that sure components in cow feed may help cut back methane emissions, and up to date work has drawn a whole lot of consideration to 1 sudden hero: seaweed.
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