Climate change: Could daffodil diet for livestock help?
Daffodils have long been seen as a symbol of Wales - but could they also be used to save the climate? Researchers are testing a new method of using Wales' national flower to cut the level of methane produced by livestock. Methane is the second most common greenhouse gas after CO2, and is released by livestock, such as cows and sheep, when they burp. Tests show a chemical extracted from daffodils can reduce methane production by a third when added to cow's feed. Half of methane emissions in the UK come from cows, while they account for 14% of greenhouse gases globally, BBC's Countryfile reported . Scientists from Scotland's Rural College have successfully extracted a chemical from the flower called haemanthamine. In the laboratory, using an artificial cow's stomach, they showed it could reduce emissions by 30% when added to feed. It is now being tested at a number of farms, including one belonging to Andrew Evans, in Welshpool, Powys. "It's the national flower of Wales isn't it, so we're in Wales, so we're quite keen on that," he said. "I think this is doing our bit - being part of a trial that could potentially mitigate the impacts of methane in the environment," added Mr Evans. Abi Reader, deputy president of farming union NFU Cymru, said the trial "offers a lot of promise" but said it was important that the process was properly assessed. "As livestock farmers we're definitely up for looking for different alternatives for reducing methane emissions," she said. "We need to make sure it's safe for them to eat, we need to make sure it's economical and we need to make sure what it is going to do, and reduce that methane." Cutting methane gas 'crucial for climate fight' Sheep methane emissions testing 'a UK first' A really simple guide to climate change Race against time to save Morocco quake survivors US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit 'Everyone in this village is either dead or missing' At the scene of Morocco mosque collapsed by quake. Video At the scene of Morocco mosque collapsed by quake Inside the horror of Europe's biggest wildfire Inside a 'hijacked' South African building. Video Inside a 'hijacked' South African building How chronic pain feels for me. Video How chronic pain feels for me The rise and fall of a parenting influencer Guyana scrambles to make the most of oil wealth Florida's first hurricane-proof town The greatest spy novel ever written? Why is everyone crazy about Aperol? 2023 BBC.