June 3, 2021 1:54 pm
A new strategic partnership aims to tackle methane emissions in the dairy industry – through the use of methane-reducing “masks” for cows.
With a claimed emission reduction potential of 53%, this mask device “neutralises methane as cows exhale” – and is expected to be launched for sale to farmers from 2022 onward.
Cargill and ZELP (Zero Emission Livestock Project) have partnered to bring European dairy farmers what they describe as an “innovative solution to reduce methane emissions”.
This, they say, combines technology in methane oxidation and data processing to minimise the environmental impact of dairy production while improving animal welfare.
Enteric methane is a natural by-product of cattle digesting feed, which is then released from the mouth and nose. Using smart technology, ZELP says it developed a cattle wearable device that neutralises part of this methane as it is exhaled.