Should we Be Eating Kangaroo?

In December we reported on the scientists who were trying to find a way to reduce the methane produced by cows. Kangaroo flatulence contains no methane, thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, and scientists wanted to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas.

In addition to the environmental benefits, if successful the scientists believe that the new efficient digestive system would reduce the food intake of the livestock. Reducing feed costs for farmers. This project is ongoing, it will take at least two to three years to isolate the bacteria that gives kangaroos green farts, whilst others believe we should simply move to eating more kangaroos.

"Fourteen percent of emissions from all sources in Australia is from enteric methane from cattle and sheep, and if you look at another country such as New Zealand, which has got a much higher agricultural base, they're actually up around 50 percent"
Athol Klieve, Senior Research Scientist, Queensland State Government

One such person is, Dr George Wilson, of the Australian Wildlife Services, and he believes that the answer is more about eating more kangaroo and less cow and sheep. The country already produces 30 million kilograms of kangaroo meat 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.

"It tastes excellent, not unlike venison - only a different flavour."
Dr George Wilson, Australian Wildlife Services

So this summer get a kangaroo burger on the BBQ ... Yummy. It might take a while for kangaroos to become popular barbecue fare, but with concern over global warming growing in the world's driest inhabited continent, Australians could soon be ready to try almost anything to cut emissions, and we might see it coming back to the menu in the UK too.

If I can source some kangaroo meat, I'll let you know how it tastes.

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