Catching cow burps in real time: Methane sensor matches industry monitor in early field test
Researchers from Harvard and UC Davis are testing a new ear-tag sensor designed to measure methane emissions from cattle in real-time. The technology aims to provide a more accurate, field-ready alternative to existing industry monitoring systems to help mitigate climate change.
Why it matters
Cattle methane emissions are a significant contributor to global warming, and improved measurement tools are essential for developing effective reduction strategies.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Methane is a short-lived but powerful greenhouse gas; cutting methane emissions can slow near-term warming and improve air quality by reducing harmful ground-level ozone. As ruminants digest feed, they release methane—through burps. In fact, emissions from cattle are the largest source of human-caused methane emissions (roughly 25% of the total)—so reducing emissions from cattle is an important part of tackling climate change.
Achieving these benefits, however, requires not only effective mitigation strategies but also reliable ways to measure methane under real farm conditions.
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