Researchers from the National Institute of Agricultural Technology, or INTA, in Argentina have come up with a system for extracting pure natural gases like methane, from a cow’s burp.

Researchers from the National Institute of Agricultural Technology, or INTA, in Argentina have come up with a system for extracting pure natural gases like methane, from a cow’s burp.


By using valves and pumps to separate the carbon dioxide gas in the burp from the methane, researchers are able to turn the cow’s digestive system into a source of fuel production.



Natural gases that contain methane are used as fuel for cars and power plants.



Guillermo Berra, head of INTA's animal physiology group said: “Once you get it compressed, it's the same as having natural gas. As an energy source it is not very practical at the moment, but if you look ahead to 2050, when fossil fuel reserves are going to be in trouble, it is an alternative.”



As one of the biggest beef exporting nations in the world, Argentina is home to an estimated 51 million cattle, which produce 30 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the country.



Each cow reportedly produces up to 300 liters of pure methane on a daily basis, which would create enough energy to power a refrigerator for a full day.