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A food supplement could reduce cows’ farting and burping by nearly one third and help save the planet.
At least one third of all emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, comes from cows, goats, sheep, etc – ruminant animals.
Over 12 weeks, cattle that consumed the chemical 3NOP also gained 80% more body weight than those given ordinary feed.
The 3NOP (3-nitrooxypropanol) compound was developed by DSM Nutritional Products, a Dutch supplier of feed additives. The product seems safe and effective.
But note, in cows that ate the supplement there was no decrease in feed intake, fibre digestibility and milk production.
If regulators approved it and farmers began using it this methane inhibitor could cut greenhouse gas emissions from livestock.
OPINION: Among the many satisfying jobs on the farm is shifting our Angus heifers onto fresh pasture. They love it. Tails up, they gallop around for a minute, then it’s heads down — those long, raspy tongues pulling in mouthfuls of lush green feed.
The Government's revised 2050 biogenic methane target range of 14-24% by 2050 is being welcomed by dairy farmers.
Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.
OPINION: We are endlessly told that livestock are responsible for half of New Zealand's total emissions.
OPINION: Will synthetic milk derail NZ's economy?
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.
