Should cows produce less methane?

10/04/2025 27 min Episodio 106
Should cows produce less methane?

Listen "Should cows produce less methane?"

Episode Synopsis

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas which contributes to the climate emergency. Intensive farming can lead to cows contributing significantly to levels of this gas in the atmosphere. Antonia, Ellie and Jasmin discuss the latest research to reduce the amount of methane cows produce through burps and flatulence. They look at additives to cow feed, using seaweed as an alternative feed, and selectively breeding the cows. They consider whether people should eat less meat and look at cultural and geographical challenges to doing so.
Fact check:

Estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock vary
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shows that methane has 81 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide
Here’s how cows produce methane as part of their digestion
News about the Bovaera additive produced by Arla
News about Hilda the cow, selectively bred over 16 generations to produce less methane
Denmark’s plan to introduce a tax for cows
The article Ellie mentions in The Conversation