Scientists discovering ways to reduce cow gasScientists discovering ways to reduce cow gas

Calling it a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Canadian scientists are working on a plan to breed cows that will, uh, pass less methane gas.

No, seriously.

As it turns out, cattle are responsible for more than 70 percent of Canada’s methane emissions. Apparently, bovine-released gas is very potent and harmful to the environment.

Kind of makes you want to run out to the nearest Fat Burger, doesn’t it? Maybe those Canadian scientists should take a look at Uncle Fred while they’re at it.

Anyway, Stephen Moore, chair of Bovine Genomics at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, is studying cow genes in an effort to breed more environmentally-friendly cattle – cows that will release 25 percent less methane.

The findings have been published in the Journal of Animal Science.

But don’t expect to have your next romantic picnic in a stockyard, Moore has said he still has more work to do before his studies are complete and can be released in general practice.

But if the goal is reduce the carbon footprint of those delicious producers of prime rib, some ranchers say get ‘em to market sooner and monitor their diet. A little fish oil in the feed reportedly helps cut down on methane gas released by cows.