Methane (CH4) is a powerful greenhouse gas: the emission of one ton of methane has an effect equivalent to 21 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Given that a cow can produce up to 500 liters of gas daily, the environmental impact of livestock is quite significant: in Alberta, cattle are the second largest emitters of greenhouse gases after the oil industry. Hence the interest of a recent study conducted jointly by the Universities of Alberta, Manitoba and Guelph, AAFC (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) and IAEA (International Agency for Atomic Energy) and published Journal of Animal Science.

In compiling the data for the production of methane from previous studies, researchers have developed a set of linear equations and non-linear to predict methane production from variables describing the diet of animals. This mathematical modeling enhances understanding of the factors that control the production of methane and as pointed out by Stephen Moore, a professor at the University of Alberta, offers prospects for the fight against global warming: “By identifying the genetic and dietary factors that may reduce emissions (CH4), we hope to give cattle, ways to reduce their environmental footprint of their herd and reductions of 25% of methane production are possible. “