Ireland looks to seaweed in quest to curb methane from cows

Dairy cattle that are participating in a trial of being fed seaweed to offset methane emissions gather around the solar powered methane measuring machine at the AFBI (Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute) research farm in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland, October 7, 2021. Scientists are combing Ireland's west coast for seaweed to feed to cattle and sheep after research showed it could stop them breathing out so much climate-warming methane. Researchers are working on how to integrate the feed additives into Ireland's predominantly grass-based cattle farming system. On a farm outside Hillsborough, researchers use treats to coax cows to poke their heads into a solar-powered machine that measures the level of methane on their breath. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

ATHENRY, Ireland (Reuters) - Scientists are combing Ireland's west coast for seaweed to feed to cattle and sheep after research showed it could stop them breathing out so much climate-warming methane.

The project, coordinated by a state agriculture body, is tapping into the country's growing seaweed harvesting industry, which is seeking new markets as it revives centuries-old traditions.