Scientists have successfully trained a few calves to use something called a 'MooLoo' and it could lead to reduced overall emissions.
So, why potty-train cows? Cow urine contains a large amount of something that breaks down into nitrate, which pollutes nearby bodies of water, and nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. By training cows to use a certain spot when they do their business, the urine can be cleaned before it causes any problems to the environment. The MooLoo isn't anything fancy either, just a fenced-off area lined with artificial grass.
If you're interested in the full report, you can find it here.
The scientists used a special vibrating collar that would direct the cows to the MooLoo and once they relieved themselves, they would be rewarded with a treat. If any of the cows urinated somewhere else, the scientists would use a spray bottle of cold water, which doesn't harm the animals, it just annoys them (cat and dog owners know this too well). The training took place over the course of 15 days, and nearly 70% of the cows were successfully potty-trained!
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The next time you're in a pinch and have to use a porta-potty, you might have to wait in line behind a few of our bovine buddies.
Featured image courtesy of Cottonbro via pexels.com
