Newcastle University - Wind of change

Flatulence among farm animals - a major source of greenhouse emissions - could be reduced by feeding them spicy food. Researchers at Newcastle University have found that the spices used to flavour curries, such as coriander and turmeric, can reduce the amount of methane produced by bacteria in a sheep's stomach by up to 40 per cent. The scientists found that the spices worked like an antibiotic, killing the "bad" bacteria producing the gas. As methane is a major contributor to global warming, spices could help make animal digestive systems more "green", the researchers conclude.