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Eat kangaroo to 'save the planet' Eat kangaroo to 'save the planet'
(about 2 hours later)
Switching from beef to kangaroo burgers could significantly help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says an Australian scientist.Switching from beef to kangaroo burgers could significantly help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says an Australian scientist.
The gas produced by sheep and cows through belching and flatulence is a huge contributor to global warming - much more than carbon dioxide. The methane gas produced by sheep and cows through belching and flatulence is more potent than carbon dioxide in the damage it can cause to the environment.
But kangaroos produce virtually no methane gas because their digestive systems are different. But kangaroos produce virtually no methane because their digestive systems are different.
Dr George Wilson, of the Australian Wildlife Services, urges farming them.Dr George Wilson, of the Australian Wildlife Services, urges farming them.
He says they have a different set of micro-organisms in their guts to cows and sheep.He says they have a different set of micro-organisms in their guts to cows and sheep.
Sheep and cattle account for 11% of Australia's carbon footprint and over the years, there have been various proposals to deal with the problem.Sheep and cattle account for 11% of Australia's carbon footprint and over the years, there have been various proposals to deal with the problem.
Now Dr Wilson believes kangaroos might hold the answer.Now Dr Wilson believes kangaroos might hold the answer.
He said: "It tastes excellent, not unlike venison - only a different flavour."He said: "It tastes excellent, not unlike venison - only a different flavour."
The country already produces 30 million kangaroos farmed by landholders in the outback.The country already produces 30 million kangaroos farmed by landholders in the outback.
But Dr Wilson is keen to see that population dramatically increased to produce the same amount of kangaroo meat as that currently produced by conventional livestock.But Dr Wilson is keen to see that population dramatically increased to produce the same amount of kangaroo meat as that currently produced by conventional livestock.