April 4, 2011
UK research shows sandalwood can transform animal feed
Incorporating sandalwood into animal feed can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new scientific study in UK.
Researchers from Aberystwyth University have shown that sandalwood can aid in reducing the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as E.coli and listeria.
When given to animals, this means that energy usually used for methane production can be redirected to raise milk and meat output.
Dr Ahmed Ali, who was part of the project, said that this was a thrilling discovery that may have a remarkable effect on methane emissions worldwide.
"There would be benefits to the agricultural industry through increased milk and meat production as this increase in productivity would be set against a background of growing pressures on global food supply," he said.
This news comes after the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs published the research this week, which showed that incorporating rapeseed into animal feed can lower methane emissions from cows by 20%.