Canadian scientists are breeding a special type of cow designed to burp less, a breakthrough that could reduce a big source of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.

Cows are responsible for nearly three-quarters of total methane¹ emissions², according to Environment Canada. Most of the gas comes from bovine³ burps, which are 20 times more potent⁴ than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.

Stephen Moore, a professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, is examining the genes⁵ responsible for methane produced from a cow's four stomachs in order to breed more efficient, environmentally friendly cows.

The professor of agricultural, food and nutritional⁶ science completed primary tests using traditional techniques to breed efficient animals that produce 25 percent less methane than less efficient animals.

But more work needs to be done before the long-term impact is known. Moore's study was published earlier this year in the Journal of Animal Science.

"We are working on producing diagnostic markers for efficient animals. We are looking at the next generation of technologies that will enable us to determine the genetics of an animal through a blood test or testing some hairs that you might pluck from the animal," said Moore.

To shrink cattle's ecological⁷ footprint, ranchers could also decrease the time cows are left standing⁸ in the field by getting animals to market sooner. That means breeding cattle that grow faster.

Also, through breeding, cattle could become more efficient in converting feed into muscle and producing less methane and waste, said Moore.

Another method already being used to reduce methane emissions is feeding livestock⁹ a diet higher in energy and rich in edible¹⁰ oils, which ferment¹¹ less than grass and low-quality feed.

"If every US dairy farmer reduced emissions by 12 percent it would be equal to about half a million cars being taken off the road," said Nancy Hirshberg, vice-president of Stonyfield's Natural Resources department.

Questions:

1. What kind of cow type Canadian scientists are breeding?

2. How much of the total methane emissions are cows responsible for?

3. How many times gas that comes from bovine burps is more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas?

Answers:

1. Cows that designed to burp less.

2. Nearly three-quarters.

3. It is 20 times more potent as a greenhouse gas.