Technical short: cow gut microbiome

Taking a deeper dive into the biology behind how cows produce methane, and the two methods being researched to reduce production. Jasmin and Laura discuss feed additives, the importance of hydrogen and the various ways it can be used to make things that aren't methane. They also review some genetics research that focusses on the microbiome and how hereditable traits of the cow can influence it. They draw on experience of chemical engineering to consider how the microbiome can be optimised for energy production in the same way that you'd optimise an anaerobic digestion plant.

Fact check:

• An overview of the main biochemical pathways in the microbiome
• Research into how to optimise the microbiome to utilise food more efficiently
• Research showing that using a food suppliment that includes 3-NOP and fumarate is beneficial in reducing methane emissions
• A quick summary of one research group's take on probiotics and why they're developing sensors to go inside a cow
• Researchers in Scotland look at genetics of the microbiome to understand how its affected by the cow's own genetics