International
Scientists reduce cow burps to save the world─── 12:19 Tue, 11 Oct 2022
At a research farm in New Zealand, more than a dozen calves wait to be fed Kowbucha.
The punnily named probiotic reduces burps - or methane emissions - according to studies.
The Massey University farm in Palmerston North feeds the calves a milk-like beverage made from the Kowbucha powder.
Frequent meals form a part of a series of trials being conducted by Fonterra, the largest dairy company in New Zealand, since 2021 - to determine how well the probiotic reduces methane emissions.
New Zealand has committed to reducing biogenic methane emissions by 10% on 2017 levels by 2030, and by up to 47% by 2050.
The "true eureka moment" came when early trials suggested that calves emit up to 20% less methane when they receive the probiotic supplement, said Shalome Bassett, principal scientist at Fonterra Research and Development Centre.
"Probiotics are great because they're a really natural solution," Bassett told Reuters. "Whatever we do, it has to be something that's easy for the farmer to use, has to be cost-effective, and we have to ensure that it's good for the cow and doesn't have any effect on the milk."
