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What is Burpless Grass?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

One of the world's main producers of methane gas is not a factory or a machine, but rather the common dairy cow. When a cow ingests ordinary grass, microscopic flora in its stomachs convert some of the plant material into methane gas. This methane gas is expelled in two directions, but primarily through burping. The gas eventually reaches the upper layers of the atmosphere as one of several greenhouse gases, and the ultimate result is global warming as these gases become more concentrated.

To address this methane gas production issue, scientists in Australia and the UK have been working to develop a "burpless grass," a hybrid species of grass which is much easier for cattle to digest, thus reducing the amount of methane gas each head of cattle produces during an average day. Considering that some experts believe cattle are responsible for up to 14.7% of all greenhouse gas production, any reduction in methane gas production can only help the cause of environmental responsibility.

Cattle herds are some of the biggest producers of methane gas.
Cattle herds are some of the biggest producers of methane gas.

Burpless grass has another benefit besides higher digestibility. The strains of experimental burpless grass developed by Australian scientists have also proven to be more heat resistant than most standard grasses. This means that a field of burpless grass can be grown and maintained in harsher climates, allowing beef producers to continue raising cattle even if global warming affects their current fields in the future.

Burpless grass works by manipulation of the natural enzymes found in regular grass strains. One particular enzyme, O-methyltransferase, is effectively neutralized in burpless grass hybrids, which makes the grass more digestible and therefore less liable to produce excess methane gas. Methane gas production is not completely eliminated, however.

One criticism of burpless grass is that the total amount of methane produce could be even higher, since more of the digested grass will pass through the cow's digestive track and end up in the methane-producing manure. While this is a legitimate consideration, the scientists who developed the burpless grass argue that the increased milk production would offset any increases in total methane gas.

This would be the equivalent of putting a higher octane gasoline in a car's engine. There may be an overall increase in exhaust gas emissions, but the car benefits from increased mileage per gallon. Cows who ingest burpless grass may emit more total methane gas, but they also produce more milk per enriched portion of grass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is burpless grass and how does it differ from regular grass?

Burpless grass is a type of forage specifically bred to reduce the occurrence of bloat in grazing animals, such as cattle and sheep. Unlike regular grasses that can produce high levels of soluble proteins and fermentable carbohydrates, burpless grass contains lower levels of these compounds, thereby minimizing the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening condition caused by the accumulation of gas in the stomach.

Why is burpless grass important for livestock health?

Burpless grass plays a crucial role in livestock health by preventing bloat, which can cause discomfort, decreased feed intake, poor growth rates, and even death in severe cases. By incorporating burpless grass into pastures, farmers can improve the overall well-being and productivity of their herds, as it allows animals to graze safely without the risk of this digestive issue.

How is burpless grass cultivated and maintained?

Burpless grass is cultivated using selective breeding techniques to ensure low levels of problematic compounds. Maintenance involves typical pasture management practices such as proper fertilization, controlled grazing, and regular mowing to promote healthy growth. It's essential to monitor for pests and diseases, as these can affect the quality and safety of the grass.

Can burpless grass be fed to all types of livestock?

While burpless grass is primarily beneficial for ruminant animals like cattle and sheep, which are prone to bloat, it can be fed to other types of livestock as well. However, the specific dietary needs and potential benefits should be evaluated for each species, as some may not require the bloat-prevention properties of burpless grass.

Is burpless grass more expensive than regular grass?

The cost of burpless grass can be higher than regular grass due to the specialized breeding and potential need for specific management practices. However, the investment may lead to long-term savings by reducing veterinary costs and improving livestock productivity, making it a cost-effective choice for many farmers concerned with animal health and welfare.

Are there any environmental benefits to growing burpless grass?

Growing burpless grass can have environmental benefits by promoting sustainable livestock farming. Healthier pastures reduce the need for chemical treatments, and by preventing bloat, it can decrease greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. Additionally, well-managed burpless grass pastures can contribute to soil health and biodiversity, supporting a more balanced ecosystem.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular AllThingsNature contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular AllThingsNature contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

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    • Cattle herds are some of the biggest producers of methane gas.
      By: marco iacobucci
      Cattle herds are some of the biggest producers of methane gas.