According to a report from Hong Kong Grand Prix on June 25, China News Agency reported that nearly three-quarters of the world's total methane emissions come from cattle, and most of these gases come from cattle fighting. As a greenhouse gas, the warming effect of methane on the atmosphere is 20 times that of carbon dioxide. Steven Moore, a professor at Alberta University in Canada, is studying the genes responsible for the production of methane in the four stomachs of cattle, hoping to produce more efficient and environmentally friendly cattle.
Moore recently published a research report in the "Animal Science" magazine, which revealed that preliminary experiments have been completed to cultivate cattle that emit less than 25% of methane. However, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of eating such cattle.
There are several ways in which cattle can reduce their emissions of methane. The most common method is to let them grow up, shortening the time between raising them and sending them to the market.
In addition, the development of a cow that can more efficiently convert food into muscle can also reduce the production of methane and feces. Another method that has been used is to feed animals with higher energy and feeds rich in edible oils instead of grasses and low quality feeds to enhance the digestive function of dairy cows and reduce snoring.
Hershberg, a spokesperson for an organic yoghurt producer in New Hampshire, said: "If every US dairy farm reduces emissions by 12%, it will mean that the road has reduced about 500,000 vehicles."