Scientists Are Toilet Training Cows To Reduce Emissions

Cows produce greenhouse gases, such as ammonia and methane, but can be potty-trained as a control measure. In an article published today in the journal Current Biology, an international team of researchers described how the bovines can be trained to defecate and urinate at specific places, thereby reducing air pollution, and cleaning up their barn environment. “It’s usually assumed that cattle are not capable of controlling defecation or urination,” said co-author Jan Langbein. “Cattle, like many other animals or farm animals are quite clever and they can learn a lot. Why shouldn’t they be able to learn how to use a toilet?” Langbein added. Gases that contribute to air pollution and planetary warming or “greenhouse effect” include methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide. In places where cows roam freely and relieve themselves where they may, accumulated dung and urine can contaminate local waterways and soil. While cows can be kept in barns, keeping them confined to a barn can see th