A short course in Bovine methane production, an unintended guest post by Estu

Stud Farmhand posted this in the comments below, and it was awesome enough I figured I'd better make it a post of its own.

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A short course in bovine methane production:

Cow flatus is commonly cited as a significant contributor to global warming; as much as 18% of all methane produced worldwide comes from animals, with 90% of that coming from cud chewers (sheep, goats, camels, water buffalo, but mostly cattle)

There's a genetically engineered grass which, if fed to cattle, is claimed to reduce their methane emissions: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506120859.htm

(note that at least one country, Great Britain, includes plans to reduce bovine flatulence as part of its comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse emissions.)

Here's another proposed solution to the problem: a methane trap developed in Argentina: http://www.physorg.com/news135003243.html

Finally, here's a project underway in California to use the methane released by cows to generate electricity:
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/05/no-bs-cow-sourced-methane-power-in-california/

And Stu's continued commentary, now on Horse manure:

Another related topic: horse manure and stall bedding are a significant problem. If simply piled up and left to rot, they add significant nitrogen to the soil and groundwater of surrounding areas. ANother option, hauling to landfills, simply relocates the problem to our already overflowing solid waste disposal systems.

Composting is effective but can be time- and labor-intensive.

There's a company in Snohomish, WA that makes fast-composting systems for stall bedding and horse manure: http://www.o2compost.com/content/Horse_Manure_Composting.htm

I have been using one of their micro-bin systems for the last year and am very pleased with the result: I can cure 16 cubic feet -- 1.75 cubic yards -- of used bedding and manure in 30 days. The company also claims that the system is effective for other forms of animal waster (sheep, poultry), household garbage (food waste, not trash) and for yard waste such as grass clippings.

Enjoy your friends geeking out eloquently on your blog,

Bp

[cow picture via burpless grass article, horse manure composter picture via O2compost.com]