Australian aims to breed 'green' sheep that burp less

[ccharles000]

Australian scientists have said they are hoping to breed sheep that burp less as part of efforts to tackle climate change.

The scientists have been trying to identify a genetic link that causes some sheep to belch less than others.

Burping is a far greater cause of emissions in sheep than flatulence, they say.

About 16% of Australia's greenhouse emissions come from agriculture, says the department of climate change.

Australia's Sheep Cooperative Research Council says 66% of agricultural emissions are released as methane from the gut of livestock.

"Ninety per cent of the methane that sheep and cattle and goats produce comes from the rumen, and that's burped out," John Goopy from the New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment told ABC.

"Not much goes behind - that's horses."

The scientists in New South Wales have been conducting experiments in specially designed pens where they measure how much gas sheep emit by burping.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8385068.stm

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

1. The science of belches versus farts. Best. Thread. EVAH. K&R. -nt

[Jamastiene]

2. Oh, this one is going to be fun.

I have something I have to do. I'm just profiling right now so I can get back to this thread later. :P

[kerrywins]

3. using tax money?

why would someone invest their money in something like this?