A Stinky Solution to a Stinkier Problem: Using Garlic to Fight Cow Farts
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA 
on 07.11.07
We already know that cows have a huge impact on climate change, and we’ve even looked at ways that meat eaters can reduce their consumption, aside from the obvious options of going vegetarian or vegan. Now we hear from the BBC that scientists from Wales are experimenting with garlic to see if this could reduce flatulence, and the resulting methane (a potent greenhouse gas). We have seen efforts to reduce cow farts before, and if these scientists are successful, this could have a significant impact on climate change:
“Experts claim cows are responsible for about 3% of Britain's greenhouse gases. But initial results from the start of the three-year study show that feed containing garlic could cut the amount of gas produced by up to 50%.”
According to the scientists conducting the study, garlic compounds naturally attack the organisms in cow’s guts that produce methane. The research is part of a much wider government funded effort to research alternatives feeds and reduce greenhouse emissions related to animal husbandry. Unfortunately it’s not all good news – the researchers are yet to determine whether using garlic in this manner will taint the flavor of milk or meat, not so great for those who don't like garlic with their corn flakes.
Of course it goes without saying that flatulence is not the only environmental hazard related to meat and dairy production. As this entry on About.com argues, most animal husbandry is inherently less efficient than vegetable production, in terms of energy expenditure, and there are also issues with water use, compaction, soil erosion and effluent run off. Garlic or no garlic, the vegetarians won’t let us (occasional) meat eaters off the hook just yet, and that’s before we even start discussing the ethics of killing animals for food! ::BBC::
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The garlic might have an effect on the taste of milk. On the upside, it might also have a preservative effect, and I should think garlicky yogurt mixed into a curry sauce would be quite delish!
Question: Are grass-fed cows as flatulent as grain-fed cows? Perhaps they are flatulent b/c of an allergy to soy or wheat, just as this can contribute to indigestion in some humans. Soy and Wheat are not the traditional diet of cows.
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Author's comment:
Good question. I am not an authority on this, but I did ask the same question to the very informative guy at the meat counter of our local co-op. He wasn't sure either, but looked into it (not sure where), and came back with the answer that they are actually more flatulent when fed grass. He did say that they are generally more healthy also, and the fuel input is waaaaayyy less for grass fed beef, but it's not a panacea. As I say though, this was just one guys opinion. I'll look into it and see if I can get more details.
Watch this space.
As a swiss I need to point this out:
Cows emit the Mathane through their mouths.... so the Pic is kinda wrong. Although it looks really funny.
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Author's comment
Wow! I did not know that. You learn something new everyday. So tconcerns about bad breath from the garlic are probably a bit redundant then anyway, given what comes out of their mouths already, right? ;-)
Anyone who has ever maintained a dairy herd can tell you that this idea won't fly for milk producing cattle.
It's a common problem in the spring where I grew up when the cows eat wild green onions (ramps).
Stinky milk.
Is this kind of research really necessary? Many different animals produce methane as a byproduct of digestion. At many waste-water treatment plants, methane-producing organisms break down solid waste. The methane is then collected and used to power generators onsite.
Perhaps, instead of doing research on how to prohibit cows from producing methane, we could research how to reduce our dependency on cattle, or research other areas that produce excessive amounts of methane that are more controllable than the digestion of a cow.
Is this kind of research really necessary? Many different animals produce methane as a byproduct of digestion. At many waste-water treatment plants, methane-producing organisms break down solid waste. The methane is then collected and used to power generators onsite.
Livestock are the largest emitters of methane, and among livestock, cattle are by far the largest emitter.
Cows have been around for quite a while....so what's the sudden problem?
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Author's note:
Cows have indeed been around for quite some time, but with meat and dairy consumption rising massively per capita around the world, along with the general rise in human populations , I believe it is the sheer number of cows that is creating this issue (i.e. people are eating more cows and cow products, and there are more people). Our ancestors weren't eating 16oz rib eyes most evenings.
nice picture! where did you find it??
its not the farts that cointains methane gas its accualy the methane gas gets stored until they take a crap which contains methane gas then which it cointains methane gas. :D
anyone know where we can purchase aged garlic for our cattle?