Collect emissions from cows

Scientists in Argentina have found a way to capture the amount of methane released from the cow's intestinal tract. By placing an air bag on the back of a cow called a fartpacks, a pipe will connect to the cow's stomach without causing them discomfort. This system was developed by the Argentina National Institute of Agricultural Engineering (INTA).

Photo: Reuters

Pablo Sorondo, a scientist working for INTA, said the technology will be applied on a large scale. A farmer family only needs to raise a few cows to provide enough gas for the whole family. A cow weighs 550kg, one day can emit 800 - 1,000 liters of gas to the environment. After gas collection, about 300 liters of methane will be extracted and converted into green energy for a 24-hour car.

The US government is asking the dairy industry to cut 25% of cow emissions by 2020. Statistics show that cows are the world's largest methane source with a quarter of total escape on earth.

According to the Daily Mail, Argentina is considered one of the largest beef producers in the world with 55 million heads, accounting for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. Along with the use of fartbacks , the dietary adjustment such as removing seeds from alfalfa, clover, adding tannin will help cows digest, thereby reducing the amount of methane by 25%.