Researchers are looking into new ways to reduce methane as Canada is committed to cutting emissions to 30% below 2020 levels by 2030. At Rimrock Feeders, the cow’s typically receive a diet that consists of corn distillers grain(leftover from making ethanol, silage, vitamins and minerals. The mix has changed over time to improve herd health.
However, innovators are now looking at how changes to feed could also help reduce methane emissions caused by cow burps. Cows carry a bacteria in their stomachs that breaks down fibrous plant material, but this process produces methane as a byproduct. The cow will then simply belch out the methane into the atmosphere.
An honorary research affiliate with Agriculture Canada in Lethbridge, Karen Beauchemin said “I think it represents an opportunity for farmers and consumers, … We could reduce, in the future, the amount of methane being put into the atmosphere from our livestock.”
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