Scientists measure methane at the source

No this is not a photo of new cow accessory. According to Popsci.com (9/18/2008):

Researchers from Argentina's National Institute of Agricultural Technology connected inflatable tanks to the cows’ first stomach, where methane is made, through a small hole between their ribs. By measuring methane production directly inside each cow, biologist Silvia Valtorta hopes to more accurately determine the country’s overall agricultural contribution to global warming. [read more]

The article does not say how much that tank weighs on the cow but I don't think it is too comfortable for it. I wonder if PETA knows what these researchers are doing. Oh well. Even cows, I guess, have to be inconvenienced for the cause of stopping global warming. The article also said they had to make a small hole in the cow's second stomach so they could put a tube in there. Ouch! The tube connects to the tank on top. I hope they tranquilized the cow before they did all that.

Are the researchers putting tanks on deer and water buffalo too? They probably contribute to global warming too I would think. Or are cows just easier to catch?

I agree with one of the comments that this is just stupid research and a waste of money. I wonder if this idea is going to catch on in America. Could be. There's people in this country that like to waste money too for stupid causes.