Daffodil extract fed to cows could be ‘game changer’ in reducing methane production
Daffodils could provide the key to more sustainable livestock farming, according to scientists who say lab tests have proven promising.
Adding an extract from the flowers to livestock feed reduced methane in artificial cow stomachs by 96%.
A team of researchers at Scotland’s Rural College hope that when trialled in real cows, it could reduce methane emissions by at least 30%.
A four-year programme of trials is now beginning at farms around the UK.
On his farm in Powys, Kevin Stephens breeds cattle and grows daffodils.
Farmer Kevin Stephens said it could make a ‘huge difference’ to the livestock industry
He has been part of the team developing the science behind the new animal feed.
“We started growing daffodils originally to produce an Alzheimer’s drug, but we discovered that the daffodils also produce a compound that prevents ruminants from producing methane,” he said.
“So the chance to combine the two things was too good an opportunity to miss.”
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For farmers like him, finding a way to farm more sustainably could be a game changer.
“This could make a huge difference to the livestock industry,” he said.
Extracts from daffodils reduced methane in artificial cow stomachs by 96%
“There are governments across the world currently trying to meet net-zero by either taxing livestock farmers or putting quotas on the number of livestock you can have because of this methane by product.
“This gives us a very real opportunity to change that story.”
It is estimated that half of the country’s methane emissions come from cows.
And globally, livestock produce around 14% of the world’s greenhouse gasses.
Professor Jamie Newbold hopes the project will be part of a solution to methane emissions
Professor Jamie Newbold, professor of animal science at Scotland’s Rural College, said: “Our new project has three main stages.
“First developing a supply chain of daffodils and extracting the chemicals from daffodils. Secondly, testing that the additive is safe to both animals and humans, and finally, working with our farmer partners across England and Wales to prove the additive is effective in reducing methane production and feed costs for dairy cattle.
“This is vital because greenhouse gases and global warming is a major global challenge, and we hope our project will be part of the solution of reducing the role of ruminants in methane production.”
Assisted dying could become legal in England and Wales after the bill was backed by MPs in a historic vote.
Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill received 330 yes votes compared to 275 noes at its second reading in the House of Commons – a majority of 55.
Politics Live: MPs voting on historic assisted dying legislation
The bill would allow adults who are terminally ill with just six months left to live to request medical assistance to end their lives.
Today’s result means the legislation will now progress to the committee stage for scrutiny, with the Lords also to be given opportunities to express their views on the measure before it potentially becomes law.
MPs were given a free vote – meaning they could side with their conscience and not along party lines, with the government staying neutral on the matter.
The division list showed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the proposal, as did Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
But other cabinet members like Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood voted against the bill, having previously warned about vulnerable people being coerced and of a “slippery slope of death on demand”.
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MPs debate assisted dying
The vote came after a five-hour debate in the chamber, which drew emotional arguments on both sides.
Conservative former minister Andrew Mitchell revealed he changed his mind on assisted dying after finding himself with “tears pouring down my face” on hearing the stories of constituents whose loved ones had died “in great pain and great indignity”.
On the other side of the argument, veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott said assisted dying could result in sick people “feeling like a burden” on society, adding: ” I can imagine myself saying that in particular circumstances.”
She warned: “If this bill passes, we will have the NHS as a fully-funded 100% suicide service but palliative care will only be funded at 30% at best.”
Bill about ‘choice and dignity’
Opening the debate on the topic, Labour backbencher Ms Leadbeater said the bill was about giving dying people “choice, autonomy, and dignity” – saying the current law was “failing” them.
Kim Leadbeater: PA
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She has insisted her bill contains “the most robust safeguards” of any assisted dying legislation in the word.
This includes two independent doctors having to approve the decision, followed by a high-court judge, with the person having to administer the drugs themselves.
The legislation also includes a maximum 14-year prison sentence for anyone who coerces someone into requesting assisted dying or taking the medicine.
Speaking to Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby after the vote, an emotional Ms Leadbeater said she was “incredibly proud” of the result and parliament must now “take on board everything that’s been discussed in the chamber”, including the state of palliative care and the rights of disabled people.
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