What if the beer industry and the cattle industry could come together to save the world! We may not be far off from that.

 

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[First things first. This is not political. It's some scientific research that was done, and will be put here in, hopefully, understandable fashion for your enjoyment.]

By now, whether you're into it or not, you're aware of scientists claims about rising global temperatures and the ultimate ramifications we could see in the (not-too-distant) future. Major cities could be under water as soon as 2050. Ya know, if the world is still around by that point.

While those are dire claims, there still are scientists working diligently, exploring potential strategies to stop that from happening.

Some drastic measures have been mentioned, like Matrix-ing the whole world by blocking out the sun. Unrealistic, yes. Some much less drastic, and a lot more realistic measures have also been proposed.

You may or may not have noticed that a number of breweries have taken steps to decrease their carbon footprint in recent years. Based on recent studies, beer can actually be helpful in combatting climate change -- with a little help from their friends, cows.

 

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Getty Images - How many of those cows do you think are farting RIGHT NOW?
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[WARNING: It's about to get a little childish]

Cow Farts

The cattle industry is responsible for about 40% of the world's annual methane output, thanks to the 1.4 billion cattle that are a bunch of Gassius Clays, ripping farts and (probably) hot, smelly burps. Farts will forever be funny. Cut the cheese. Tushy cough. Toot. Pass gas. Break wind. Bottom burp. Vladimir Pootin. Air biscuit. Baking brownies. Step on a duck. Under thunder. You get the idea.

Scientists have figured out a way to combat the amount of gas that cattle produce via selective breeding and changes to their diet. It appears that one key ingredient in the brewing process of brewing beer could make a big difference if added to their feed.

 

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How Can Beer Help With Cow Farts

According to a study published in Frontiers in Animal Science, the leftover yeast used to make beer has shown a potential when it comes to suppressing the microbes responsible for methane production in cattle.

After adding the leftover yeast to the cattle's feed, it reduced the methane amount by some 25%. This amount of reduction is comparable to the much more expensive and synthetic antibiotic called monensin that some beef producers use for the same purpose.

You can read a more in-depth breakdown of the science, but the gist is that the yeast used to make beer is particularly effective due to the properties it develops after interacting with hops, more specifically the humolones and lupolones that “are both biologically active molecules that inhibit certain bacteria and other microbes.”

Look, I think it's safe to say it's not some Dr. Strange-level magical fix to everything currently messing with the climate. But it has potential and sounds promising!

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