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Trial bid to stop belching cows
Aberdeen scientists are carrying out commercial trials on a feed additive which they hope will stop cows from producing large amounts of methane.

Cattle are capable of producing 500 litres of the potent greenhouse gas every day, mostly through belching.

Researchers at the Rowett Research Institute have found a way of cutting back on the methane produced by ruminants like sheep and cows.

The natural additive works as part of the normal digestive process.

Dr John Wallace, who is leading the research, said: "We've done a lamb trial recently in which we used this additive and we obtained a 70% decrease in methane formation.

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Isn't that great?  I think it's great.  Less cow-burping. 

But that ain't all.  Lets make their poo smell nicer too:

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Cow feed researchers smell success

Aromatic plant oils in cattle feed could make cows less flatulent and dung smell sweeter if a research project is successful.

The EU-funded project led by scientists at the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen could create a "safe, green alternative" to existing additives such as antibiotics.

Natural plant extracts contain essential oils which have been found to have a beneficial effect on bacteria in the cow's rumen - the first section of the stomach.

Using aromatic extracts of herbs such as thyme, mint and others could reduce the level of fermentation in the rumen - causing less flatulence and a more bearable smell.

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Excellent work.  And once their research is complete, I shall persude our facilities guys in my office to put the additives into the water here so that, just maybe, the loos won't stink.