Scientists look to cows for biofuels inspiration

Biofuels production could be boosted by learning more about how cows eat and digest food, it has been claimed.

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found "dozens" of previously undiscovered microbial enzymes in the animal's rumen - the primary grass-digestion stomach chamber - that can break down renewable energy source switchgrass.

According to Roderick Mackie, the academic institution's animal sciences professor, the primary problem with second-generation biofuels is often being able to release the soluble fermentable sugars harboured in the cell wall of plants.

"The cow's been doing that for millions of years," he remarked. "And we want to examine the mechanisms that the cow uses to find enzymes for application in the biofuels industry."

Bovines eat over 150 pounds of plants each day and have one stomach, although it is separated into four compartments.

The researchers claim the experiments they have performed so far reveal the cow's rumen is one of the best microbial habits to examine for the breakdown of vegetation.