http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22879806-29277,00.html
Kangaroo farts could ease global warming
December 06, 2007 11:56am
Article from: Agence France-Presse
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 say.
Thanks 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.