Cows are fed burp and fart blockers in feed to achieve net zero goals

COWS are to be put burp and fart blockers in their feed to try to reduce their bloat and save the planet.

The “compound feeds” with additives to reduce digestive gases are part of ministers’ plans to reach the net-zero targets.

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Officials believe that “highly effective methane suppression products” will be available in the UK by 2025 and they will be quick to investigate their use on dairy farms.

Farmers could be forced to use the compound feed for cattle in England as soon as possible, the plan added.

It is estimated that the move would only increase the cost of milk by 33p a year for the average consumer.

Farm animals like cows account for 14 percent of the total carbon emissions caused by human activities worldwide.

The methane produced by cows is one of the worst greenhouse gases.

The gas warms the planet 25 times more than carbon dioxide.

Former senior analytical adviser to the government’s food strategy, Dustin Benton, said: “Most dairy cows are milked twice a day, so that’s a pretty good way of feeding them the additives.”

He added that suppressants could later be adapted for sheep.

Britain’s commitment to the Global Methane Pledge requires a 30 percent reduction in emissions by 2030.

Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that existing plans to reach the 2050 target were not detailed enough.