Thursday, December 27, 2007

KANGAROO FARTS ARE GOOD

I just couldn't miss showing this to you. I know, I know, it's not a bellyache about Bill Richardson nor Dubya, but I laughed all the way through it. Keep in mind that kangaroos are marsupials. And that Aussies have a reputation as being the world's best con men. Anything for a joke used to be the rule there. It was published in the Brisbane Courier Mail.
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AUSTRALIAN scientists are trying to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep in a bid to cut the emission of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.
Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroos' flatulence contains no methane and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas. While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a billowing smokestack pushing out carbon dioxide, livestock passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions in some countries. Queensland Government senior research scientist Athol Klieve says 14 per cent of emissions from all sources in Australia are from enteric methane from cattle and sheep. "If you look at another country such as New Zealand, which has got a much higher agricultural base, they're actually up around 50 per cent," he said. Researchers say the bacteria also makes the digestive process much more efficient and could potentially save millions of dollars in feed costs for farmers. "Not only would they not produce the methane, they would actually get something like 10 to 15 per cent more energy out of the feed they are eating," Dr Klieve said.
Even farmers who laugh at the idea of environmentally friendly kangaroo farts say that it is nothing to joke about, particularly given the devastating drought Australia is suffering. "In a tight year like a drought situation, 15 per cent (more energy) would be a considerable sum," said farmer Michael Mitton. But it will take researchers at least three years to isolate the bacteria before they can even start to develop a way of transferring it to cattle and sheep. Another group of scientists has suggested Australians farm fewer cattle and sheep and just eat more kangaroos. The idea is controversial but about 20 per cent of health-conscious Australians are believed to eat the national symbol already. Peter Ampt, from the University of New South Wales's Institute of Environmental Studies, says the meat has health benefits. "It's low in fat. It's got high protein levels. It's very clean," he said. "It doesn't get drenched. It doesn't get vaccinated. It utilises food right across the landscape. It moves around to where the food is good. It's a good food."
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This site never fails to elicit comments:
Enjoy.

10 comments:

YesBut said...

I thought I was the grumpy old fart!!
Thanks for posting the interesting link.

Lin said...

Well, their Australian Shepherds didn't inherit eco-friendly flatus either - just ask Slim about Brou. I now worry about our open-flame heaters.

alphonsedamoose said...

The kangaroo story sounds like an April Fool Joke.
The site you left is terrific. I bookmarked it for Owen

Anonymous said...

Go green, I say. If only scientists could convert cow farts into fuel we'd be laughing. Plus I've never heard of Mad Kangaroo disease, have you? My son tried a kangaroo burger in Aust and said it wasn't bad at all.

Catmoves said...

Yesbut, I apologize for the article, but it's sort of copied. (Some changes in wording, though.)
I'm sure that if we could get funding, scientists could find a use for your , uh, flatulence, too.
You're welcome for the link.

Catmoves said...

Lin, Brou's flatulence feats have even reached Albuquerque in tales. What a magnificent animal.
Please be extra careful with those open flames anywhere within, say, 50 feet of Brou.

Catmoves said...

Moose, I thought that too. Aussies are great at lampooning and going down trails where the average man would be lost. (They're great jokesters.)
Your welcome to that site for Owen.

TomCat said...

ROTF!! Next someone will try to stem the steady flow of hot air from Congress.

Catmoves said...

Babzy that would be a hell of a way to put the greedy oil companies and OPEC out of business. Never heard of Mad Roo disease. Wonder if David has?
We used to buy Roo meat in Aussie, but used it mainly to feed cats and dogs. I have tried it myself, and once you get past the sinews, the meat's quite palatable.

Catmoves said...

Tomcat, considering the present Congress, I have to believe there is no shortage of that gas.