Connection: The WSU Test

Global Livestock Group, the U.S. company involved in the methane-reduction project, owes its ability to test methane emissions to professors at Washington State University.

Animal scientist Kristin Johnson and atmospheric scientist Hal Westberg helped develop the testing system in their Pullman laboratories.

`I’m not a cow person,” Westberg said. “The collaboration (with animal science) has allowed us to have people who understand the animal end of it as well as those who designed the devices.”

Since 95 percent of methane gas emissions come out of ruminants’ mouths, the device hangs like a yoke around the cow or water buffalo’s neck. The device draws air from the animal’s nose and mouth, and that air is tested for methane content.

Westberg has served on Global Livestock’s advisory committee since 1996. His work with the company has taken him to Zimbabwe and India to check on the methane testing laboratories built there.