Since cows can not properly digest grass like how we normally think they digest it, they have special bacteria in side their stomachs that allow them digest it but in turn results in a by product of methane gas. This is one of the many ways that is impacting and increasing global warming as cows produce almost 220 pounds of methane yearly. Farm animals contribute to almost ~16% of greenhouse emissions. To combat this, scientist in New Zealand are doing techniques to cows such as selective breeding, genetically modifying the feed, implementing methane inhibitors, and even giving a vaccine.
Every time we eat meat, there is an environmental cost that is involved, so humans are once again helping contribute to the global warming crisis. Even with steps to combat this situation, and things such as the vaccine not being ready any time soon, the other preventive measures being implemented can greatly help reduce global warming
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This was an interesting article to read. It is really overlooked how poorly the USA's agriculture and meat industry is ran. It would be very interesting to see genetics working with these companies to make them more green.
ReplyDeleteI learned about this a few years ago. I agree, we eat way too much red meat (and anything else really!) I also think this overconsumption of meat is a significant cause to premature chronic disease development! What can cows be fed so that they are healthier (and happier)? Lastly, if we want to immediately help, why don't we just decrease volume of red meat consumption and concentrate on eating mostly fruit and vegetables? This enables us to eat in larger volumes, too.
ReplyDeleteIt is reassuring to see that there is research being done to combat climate change. So much of environmental protection gets blocked by bureacratic red tape, so it's nice to see that there might be some improvements coming soon. The demand for meat products is not going to be going down any time soon, so reducing the amount of emissions produced by the cows is crucial.
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