In a laboratory at the University of California, Davis, a scientist inserts a long tube through the mouth to the stomach of “Thing 1”a two-month-old calf that is part of a research project aimed at preventing cows from belching methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Paulo de Meo Filho, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California (UC), in the city of Davis, participates in an ambitious experiment whose objective is develop a pill to transform cows’ intestinal bacteria so that they emit less or no methane.
Although the fossil fuel industry and some natural sources emit methane, livestock farming has become a major climate concern due to the large volume of gaseous emissions from cows. “Almost half of the (global) temperature increase we’ve had so far has been due to methane,” explained Ermias Kebreab, professor of animal sciences at UC Davis.
Methane, the second biggest factor driving climate change after carbon dioxidedecomposes faster than CO2, but has a more powerful effect. “Methane lives in the atmosphere for about 12 years,” unlike carbon dioxide, which persists for centuries, Kebreab said.
The research team analyzes samples of fluid extracted from the rumen of “Thing 1” to study the microbes responsible for converting hydrogen into methane, which is then expelled by the cows when they belch. The approach includes supplementing the calves’ diet with seaweed, known to reduce methane production.
Microbe modification
However, scientists have more ambitious plans: genetically modifying microbes to absorb hydrogen, which would “starve” the bacteria methane producers at their source. Matthias Hess, director of the UC Davis laboratory, warns of the risks: “We cannot simply eliminate methane-producing bacteria; “The accumulated hydrogen could affect the health of the animal.”
To minimize these risks, researchers test different formulas in bioreactors that simulate the conditions of the bovine stomach, from movements to temperature, to better understand how microorganisms interact in this complex ecosystem.
A more efficient digestive system
In addition to reducing emissions, scientists are seeking to increase the efficiency of cows’ digestive systems. «Hydrogen and methane are forms of energy that are lost. If we can redirect that energy towards something more useful, “We can improve cow productivity and reduce emissions at the same time,” Kebreab noted.
The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a single-dose treatment that can be administered early in the animal’s life, as most cattle graze freely and cannot receive daily supplements.
The project, carried out in collaboration with the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) at UC Berkeley, has a fund of 70 million dollars and a period of seven years to achieve significant advances. IGI researchers are working on identifying and modifying the appropriate microbe, which will then be tested both in the laboratory and on animals.
Reducing meat consumption is not an option
Although reducing meat consumption is a measure advocated by some sectors to mitigate environmental impact, Kebreab emphasizes that this is not a viable solution for all contexts. In developing countries like Indonesia, where 20% of children under five are stunted, increasing production of meat and dairy products remains a priority. “We can’t tell them not to eat meat”he emphasized.
With this project, scientists seek to balance the need for livestock production with efforts to combat climate change, opening new possibilities for more sustainable and efficient agriculture.
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