Reducing Global Warming with Coriander Turmeric and Cumin

The slow digestive system of ruminants such as cows and sheep contribute to global warming as the digestive process produces methane. Methane is a major contributor to global warming.

Scientists from Newcastle University have found that adding coriander, turmeric and cumin to fodder can reduce the amount of methane produced by sheep by up to 40 per cent. This makes digestive process more efficient producing less methane. It is estimated that each sheep produces around 20 litres of methane a day. 12% of the food energy goes waste as methane. Coriander reduced methane production from 14ml/gram of ''food'' to 8ml/g - a drop of 40%. Turmeric produced a 30 per cent reduction and cumin 22 per cent.

Coriander seeds are often prescribed for stomach complaints while turmeric and cloves are strong antiseptics.
Details of the research appear in Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 2010.