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A food supplement could reduce cows’ farting and burping by nearly one third and help save the planet.
At least one third of all emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, comes from cows, goats, sheep, etc – ruminant animals.
Over 12 weeks, cattle that consumed the chemical 3NOP also gained 80% more body weight than those given ordinary feed.
The 3NOP (3-nitrooxypropanol) compound was developed by DSM Nutritional Products, a Dutch supplier of feed additives. The product seems safe and effective.
But note, in cows that ate the supplement there was no decrease in feed intake, fibre digestibility and milk production.
If regulators approved it and farmers began using it this methane inhibitor could cut greenhouse gas emissions from livestock.
OPINION: Ruminant methane mitigation tools were a bit of a joke when first proposed; surely no one would be foolish enough to interfere with nature at its best. Any such propaganda from our sector on mitigation went straight into file 13.
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In the first of two articles focusing on electrification in New Zealand, Leo Argent talks with Mike Casey, operator of the 100% electric-operated Electric Cherries orchard and founder of advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa.
A Foundation for Arable Research initiative which took a closer look at the efficiency of a key piece of machinery for arable farmers - their combine harvesters - has been recognised at the Primary Industry NZ Awards.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has reiterated New Zealand’s ‘China And’ policy, adding that it wasn’t about choosing one market over another but creating more options for exporters.
A long running trade dispute between New Zealand and Canada over dairy access has been resolved.
New Zealand Police is urging rural property owners to remain vigilant and ensure their property is secure.
