Methane emissions cut by feeding garlic

The study, led by the Institute of Rural Sciences at the University of
Aberystwyth, Wales, is part of a £750,000 DEFRA funded three year
research project in conjunction with the Institute of Grassland and Environmental
Research (IGER) and the University of Reading.

Use of feed
additives
It is claimed that cows might be responsible for as much as 30%
of methane emissions in the UK- a gas which has 23 times the global warming
potential of carbon dioxide. It is hoped that certain feed additives will
suppress emissions and thus cut farming’s contribution to climate
change.

Professor Jamie Newbold said:: “Initial results show that
extracts of garlic compound could reduce the amount of methane produced by
animals by 50%. “Garlic directly attacks the organisms in the gut that produce
methane.”

Other studies
Other studies under the
project include the University of Reading’s research into the use of traditional
fodder legume, saifoin, and IGER’s research into how bird’s foot trefoil- a
traditional meadow flower- might reduce methane emissions.

Related
folder:
Dossier AllAbout Plant Extracts

Related websites:

University of
Aberystwyth     
University of Reading    
IGER 

DEFRA

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(Source: meatinfo.co.uk)