Bacteria reduce acetate, not methane: kangaroo

Digestive system of kangaroos have bacteria that produce acetate instead of methane.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Break down >
	Chemically break down >
	Polymers

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Could lead to ways to reduce methane emissions in manufacturing.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Like cows and sheep, kangaroos produce hydrogen when they digest grass. But instead of converting it into methane, bacteria in the stomachs of kangaroos produce a substance called acetate which the roos can use as a further energy source." (Hadfield 2002: 21)

About the inspiring organism

Macropodidae
Macropodidae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Could lead to ways to reduce methane emissions in manufacturing.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Manufacturing

Experts

Animal Research Institute
Athol Klieve
Australia's Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

References

Hadfield, Peter. 2002. No burps, please: why sheep and cows need to copy kangaroos. New Scientist [Internet],

Bacteria reduce acetate, not methane: kangaroo

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