Leather’s carbon footprint could be reduced as scientists tap cows for gas
22/10/2013
Using a system of valves and pumps, the experimental technique developed by Argentina's National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) channels the digestive gases from bovine stomach cavities through a tube and into a tank which are then processed to separate methane from other gases such as carbon dioxide.
"Once you get it compressed, it's the same as having natural gas," said Guillermo Berra, head of INTA's animal physiology group. "As an energy source it is not very practical at the moment, but if you look ahead to 2050, when fossil fuel reserves are going to be in trouble, it is an alternative."
Methane is the main component of natural gas, used to fuel everything from cars to power plants. Each head of cattle emits between 250 and 300 litres of pure methane a day, enough energy to keep a refrigerator running for 24 hours.
Share this story:
