Canadian cows udderly fascinate their human keepers.
BUILDING A BETTER COW
Carbon emissions may be contributing to global warming, but the world’s 1.5 billion cows emit dozens of polluting gases, including lots of methane—two-thirds of all ammonia comes from cows. University of Alberta scientists are looking into ways to breed cows that will not unleash as many methane-rich “emissions.” While researchers have already found ways to change the cow diet to lower their methane output by up to 25 percent, they are now trying to develop a genetic means of producing a gas-free bovine. Many farmers in Alberta now feed their livestock a diet rich in edible oils, which ferment less than grass and low-quality feed, leading to fewer waste gasses. Some farms are even producing energy from the methane gas trapped in manure. In a typical system, the cow waste is pumped into a huge sealed concrete tank known as a digester, where it is kept at a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius (101 degrees Fahrenheit). Anaerobic bacteria break down the organic matter, which produces a mix of methane and other gases, known as biogas. The gas is then burned in an engine that runs an electric generator.
YOU WIN?
Gambling and cow patties make a winning combination at fairs and charity events in Canada. The game is cow-patty bingo, and it’s proven to be a popular fund-raising event. Here’s how it works: 150 squares are drawn on a street or field. Each square has a number in it. Players buy a numbered ticket for $10 each. Then the cows are let loose. If an animal plops a flop on a square, the ticket holder with the matching number wins a prize. Unlike regular bingo, it would be almost impossible for cows to happen to poop in five squares in a row. The fundraisers have refined cow-patty bingo over the years. In the past, the squares were painted bright pink, which apparently scared the animals and often prevented pooping.
A SPICE-Y STORY
The University of Saskatchewan has a cow named Spice with a hole in its side that leads directly into one of its four stomachs. Students can put their (gloved) hands directly inside the cow. Making this type of fistula, or abnormal passageway, in a cow is done on occasion at veterinary schools. After surgically creating the opening, doctors fitted Spice’s hole with a sealing cover called a cannula. As a result, investigators can observe how Spice is digesting her food.
She’s part material Canuck: Madonna’s mother is of French Canadian descent.
BED OF GRASS
It makes sense that well-rested cows are more productive. That’s why a company in called CowMatsCanada.com makes mattresses for cattle that are the ultimate in comfort—for cattle. A big selling feature is the slightly raised center that allows fluids to drain off—something we all might desire in a mattress.
A MOO-VING MEMORIAL
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in Winnipeg has been fighting for a roadside memorial for cows who have died in highway crashes in Manitoba. The group wants to set up a sign along the road where 71 cows died after a semi collided with a train on January 31, 2012.
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BIRD BRAIN
A racing pigeon from Japan took off with 8,000 of his fellow racing pigeons on May 10, 2013, from Sapporo, Japan. It was due to fly 600 miles but it took a wrong turn somewhere and wound up 4,000 miles away on Vancouver Island at the end of June. Pigeon professionals believe the feathered adventurer had to hitch a ride on a ship to make it so far. Rescuers found the bird starving and exhausted, but they were able to trace the bird back to its owner in Japan. Hiroyasu Takasu was grateful to hear his bird was still alive and coming back to health. Although he missed his bird, Takasu asked that the pigeon not be returned because the trip would endanger its health. The Mid-Island Racing Club in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island has adopted the long-distance flier. Trainers want to pair it with a suitable female to breed champion racers.
Guy Lombardo loved hydroplane racing.