Cornell University launches animal respiration chambers to study methane emissions

ITHACA (WBNG) -- Cornell University launched the nation’s first “animal respiration stall” or chamber to accurately measure methane gas emitted from cows.

On Tuesday, officials told 12 News that the chambers will allow scientists to study the total gas exchange from the animals for longer periods. This way, they will grasp a more accurate sense of the amount of gas emitted into the environment.

Cornell said the uniqueness of the technology can significantly help with the fight against climate change.

“The respiration chambers are considered to be the gold standard to monitor methane emissions from cows,” said Associate Professor of Dairy Cattle Biology Joseph McFadden. “There are a lot of untested methane mitigation and monitoring technologies out there. But the only way you can provide absolute quantification of gas emissions is by using a respiration chamber system.”

The chambers also allow the university to study carbon dioxide and other gas emissions.

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