Thursday, 21 December 2023 10:00

Taking the p%ss!

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Your old mate understands that researchers at AgResearch are not taking the proverbial with their latest scientific revelation.

Apparently, scientists at the research institute have developed acoustic urine sensors to tackle the problem of nitrogen loss from the urine of cattle.

This affects water quality and leads to emissions of nitrous oxide – a potent greenhouse gas. The device attaches to the rear leg of dairy cattle to enable recording and identification of distinct sound patterns in “urination events”, including timing and volume.

Data from the recordings is analysed using technologies that include machine learning.

AgResearch has not taken announcing the development too seriously, cheekily describing new technology to help farmers to address nitrous oxide emissions as: ‘a wee issue – with a big environmental impact’.

More like this

Times have changed

OPINION: Back in the 1960s and '70s, and even into the '80s, successive National government Agriculture Ministers and Trade Ministers were at the top of the cabinet rankings.

Hallelujah moment

OPINION: The new Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has just had the hallelujah moment of the 21st century in his candid review of the NZ public service.

Waste-watch

OPINION: Media luvvies have pigeon-holed the Taxpayers Union (TPU) as some right-wing lobby, but as far as this old mutt can tell, the TPU focuses on shaming poor behaviour and wasteful spending by those that govern us, no matter who's in power.

Tariff risk

OPINION: Some commentators across the ditch reckon the second Trump administration's anticipated trade protectionism, coupled with China's economic fragility, poses a significant risk for Australia's agricultural export industries.

Major shakeup for the NZ science system

The government has announced a major restructuring of the country's seven crown research institutes (CRIs), which will see them merged into three public research organisations (PROs).

Featured

Forum to discuss Angus genetics and beef production

The Neogen World Angus Forum, a major event in global Angus beef industry, is set to return in 2025.

Animal welfare drives scientist’s research

Whatever an animal is raised for, it deserves a good life — and just as importantly, a “good death”.

‘Nanobubble’ trial trims irrigation water usage

North Canterbury dairy farmer and recently-elected deputy chair of DairyNZ, Cameron Henderson, is enjoying a huge reduction in irrigation water use after converting a pivot irrigator to drag perforated drip tubes across the ground instead of elevated sprinkler heads.

Editorial: Elusive India FTA

OPINION: Without doubt, a priority of the Government this year will be to gain traction on the elusive free trade deal with India.

Sport star to talk at expo

Rugby league legend Tawera Nikau is set to inspire, celebrate and entertain at the East Coast Farming Expo's very popular Property Broker's Evening Muster.