1/22/2009 6:37:38 PM #

oh my god

Speaking as a rancher - 6th generation . . .

Before ANYONE looks to that as a complete source of energy - they'd better figure out a few things

1. How many acres of hay/corn/barley/etc is needed to feed said cows in order for said cows to generate amount of manure

2. As the land gets chewed up into subdivisions - cows won't have much land left. Has 'output' been figured in that regard?

3. As cows age/depreciate - usefulness and ability to contribute to energy stream becomes less. Are there calculations for that?

4. Is it only dairy cows? or have range steers who have been taken to the feedlot before the dreaded 'axe' been taken into consideration as to their 'output'?

Questions may seem tongue in cheek. However, are seriously based on reality. Would be interested in any responses, if they have one.

Nina

1/22/2009 8:01:55 PM #

I've read of similar setups and these use the heated water from the generator's engine to hose down the barn floor.

Big Bob

1/22/2009 8:37:55 PM #

They should do this at big hog farms as well. My question - if you know - what is the status of the waste after its broken down, and what do they do with it?

Paul

1/22/2009 8:48:35 PM #

Yeah?

Has anyone calculated the CO2 emissions from this process? What about the cost of the Carbon offsets? And methane is a big 'ol "Greenhouse Gas" in and of itself...

Please people -- get Real

Drill ANWR

Drill Offshore

Mine Coal

Build Nuclear Power Plants

Now

Jackalope

1/23/2009 6:02:01 AM #

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Power From Cow Manure | Tariq Nelson

tariqnelson.com

1/23/2009 6:06:37 AM #

Instalanche!

matrixarchitect

1/23/2009 7:26:43 AM #

Two quick points -
Jackalope, this is not the "silver bullet" its part, maybe a small part, of the over all solution. It does not, and should not preclude any of the things you mention. What is the harm in exploring this?

Second, the cows and pigs are already eating, chewing, farting, and crapping on a regular basis. How can we make use of what is a huge waste problem? The giant hog farms in eastern NC produce tons and tons of waste that is left untreated in lagoons. Can't we use it some how? If hog farmers and cattle ranchers could make money of something that costs them money, isn't that a positive?

Finally, the methane - isn't using it as a fuel, a pretty clean burning one at that, better then letting it just go up in to the atmosphere?

This is a positive idea, and far better then taxing cows for farting.

Paul