Global Warming - Kangaroo farts could ease global warming

**PowerPunch** · 06 Dec 07,, 01:33

The Daily Telegraph:

AUSTRALIAN scientists are trying to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep in a bid to cut the emission of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming, researchers sayThanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroo flatulence contains no methane and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas.

While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a billowing smokestack pushing out carbon dioxide, livestock passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions in some countries.

"Fourteen per cent of emissions from all sources in Australia is from enteric methane from cattle and sheep,'' said Athol Klieve, a senior research scientist with the Queensland Government.

"And if you look at another country such as New Zealand, which has got a much higher agricultural base, they're actually up around 50 per cent,'' he said.

Researchers say the bacteria also makes the digestive process much more efficient and could potentially save millions of dollars in feed costs for farmers.

"Not only would they not produce the methane, they would actually get something like 10 to 15 per cent more energy out of the feed they are eating,'' said Mr Klieve.

Even farmers who laugh at the idea of environmentally friendly kangaroo farts say that's nothing to joke about, particularly given the devastating drought Australia is suffering.

"In a tight year like a drought situation, 15 per cent would be a considerable sum,'' said farmer Michael Mitton.

But it will take researchers at least three years to isolate the bacteria, before they can even start to develop a way of transferring it to cattle and sheep.

Another group of scientists, meanwhile, has suggested Australians should farm fewer cattle and sheep and just eat more kangaroos.

The idea is controversial, but about 20 per cent of health-conscious Australians are believed to eat the national symbol already.

"It's low in fat, it's got high protein levels it's very clean in the sense that basically it's the ultimate free range animal,'' said Peter Ampt of the University of New South Wales's institute of environmental studies.

"It doesn't get drenched, it doesn't get vaccinated, it utilises food right across the landscape, it moves around to where the food is good, so yes, it's a good food.''

It might take a while for kangaroos to become popular barbecue fare, but with concern over global warming growing in the world's driest inhabited continent, Australians could soon be ready to try almost anything to cut emissions.

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New Ideas from OZZ ... well we (Human) should also get "The kangaroo-style stomachs" -- Happy farting

**~~Feanor~~** · 06 Dec 07,, 11:37

So should we all hold in our farts to reduce emissions?

**glyn** · 06 Dec 07,, 11:50

Originally Posted by Feanor

So should we all hold in our farts to reduce emissions?

Planet Earth thanks you for your efforts.

**Dwarven Pirate** · 06 Dec 07,, 15:50

I hope they fail with their genetics. Better to just farm more kangaroos (and deer and fish and rabbits). I do not trust genetic manipulation and I think we dont understand half enough about biology to do this sort of thing without consequence.

**omon** · 06 Dec 07,, 16:08

my friend should do it to his french bulldog, when this dog farts, everyone runs, the worst stink for weight i've ever seen. if it was bigger i think we'd have ice caps melted long ago.

**jame$thegreat** · 06 Dec 07,, 21:47

PowerPunch, you should know that a good portion of this board believe global warming and the whole greenhouse theory to be utter crap (me being one of them).

**PowerPunch** · 06 Dec 07,, 22:08

jame$thegreat, please explain why do you think that global warming,greehouse theory is utter crap? Havent you noticed the changes in the climate/wether? Crops failing, draught, etc...what else will convience you?

Its not a good idea to always make fun of everything and try to intentionally ignore the things that would effect mankind in future.

**ArmchairGeneral** · 06 Dec 07,, 22:24

Originally Posted by Dwarven Pirate

I hope they fail with their genetics. Better to just farm more kangaroos (and deer and fish and rabbits). I do not trust genetic manipulation and I think we dont understand half enough about biology to do this sort of thing without consequence.

It won't necessarily involve genetic engineering. It's possible that all you need to do is inoculate the cattle and sheep with the proper organisms to get results. As long as there are no immune response problems and if the bacteria find the environment congenial, it should work. Theoretically.

After a bit of searching, I found the following article, which seems to support my conjecture.

Radio Australia - Innovations - Methane In Agriculture

**gunnut** · 06 Dec 07,, 22:30