How Training Cows to Pee in Specific Areas Can Benefit the Environment
- Feb 16
- 1 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Student summary by Olivia Liu
Original Source:National Public Radio (NPR), September 15, 2021 by The Associated Press
Image Created by Olivia Liu
Abstract
Background: A significant environmental problem is the huge amount of urine waste coming from cows. Cow urine holds nitrogen, and when it is mixed with feces, it transforms into ammonia. Ammonia is an environmental problem that can cause acid rain and other issues. It can also contaminate water with nitrates and produce the airborne pollutant nitrous oxide.
Objective: Scientists wanted to test if cows could be potty trained (“pee training”).
Method: Researchers copied a toddler's potty training by placing the cows in a special pen, waiting until they peed, and then giving them a treat made of a sweet liquid (mostly molasses). If the cows urinated outside the MooLoo (restroom pen) after the initial training, their punishment was a spray of cold water.
Result: After running the experiments, the researchers allowed the cows to roam around the indoor facility. When they had to relieve themselves, 11 of 16 cows pushed into the MooLoo, urinated in the stall, and received their sugary treat.
Conclusion: As we can see, these 11 cows successfully urinated in the MooLoo. These results show that cows have the ability to learn to be potty trained. If cows around the world can be trained, we can reduce the amount of ammonia and help reduce environmental pollution.
