Chinese researchers reported in Science that the organelle sits in rumen ciliate protozoa, not cows, and linked higher ciliate levels in 100 dairy cows to more methane.
The team catalogued 65 ciliate species, including 45 whose DNA had not previously been examined, and found especially furry Vestibuliferida carry more hydrogenobodies and stimulate more methane-producing archaea.
Ruminants produce about 30% of agriculture's methane, so targeting specific ciliates could help cut emissions, though broader protozoa removal has reduced methane at the cost of milk and meat output.
Can we target a microbe's 'engine' to cut livestock methane without unforeseen costs to the animal or consumer?
With new methane sources found in oceans and cows, which hidden climate feedback loop poses the greater threat?