Ásta Heiðrún Pétursdóttir, Matís' specialist, was interviewed on Channel 2's Morgunútvarp, about the SeaCH4NGE project, which examines whether the addition of algae in cow feed affects their methane emissions.
Matís works with partners on SeaCH4NGE, which is funded by EIT Food but the project is entitled: Use of seaweed to reduce methane gas from cows - A way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.
The project deals with the screening of a number of algae, including Icelandic algae, for their effectiveness in reducing methane emissions from cows.
This activity is measured both in test tubes at the University of Hohenheim Germany and it will also be measured in cows at the University of Reading in the UK, where all the equipment needed for the job is available - or as Hulda Geirsdóttir called the equipment: "prumpklefa". It would be more correct, however, to call them "batch chambers" where the methane emission of cows is mostly through bumps and not wind.
The algae also undergo extensive chemical research at Matís in terms of chemical content; ma mt.t. nutrients, heavy metals and minerals, as it is important to know exactly what the cows are ingesting.
The interview on Channel 2's Morgunútvarp can be played here, it starts at 0:48:18 min
but it will also be possible to ask and learn about the project at Rannís Science Week on Saturday 28 September in Laugardalshöll at 15-20.
In the latest issue Bændablaðið You can also find a detailed discussion of the project.
