Climate Researchers "Potty Train" Peeing Cows

The team of New Zealand and German researchers admitted the idea began as a joke but said dealing with cows' nitrogen-rich liquid waste could have genuine long-term climate benefits.

Scientists say they have successfully "potty trained" cows to urinate in a designated toilet area as part of a programme aimed at slashing greenhouse gas emissions. The team of New Zealand and German researchers admitted the idea began as a joke but said dealing with cows' nitrogen-rich liquid waste could have genuine long-term climate benefits. "If we could collect 10 or 20 percent of urinations, it would be sufficient to reduce greenhouse gas emission and nitrate leaching significantly," Auckland University's Douglas Elliffe said. Elliffe said the nitrogen in cow pee broke down into two problem substances over time -- nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, and nitrate, which collects in soil then leaches into rivers and streams.