Cows can be 'potty trained' in discovery which could help save the planet

Cows are being ‘potty trained’ to help cut down greenhouse gas emissions

Controlling where they pee reduces emissions of ammonia.

Researchers found they learn the habit quicker than a human toddler.

Stalls called MooLoos prompt calves to relieve themselves for treats.

Animal psychologist Dr Jan Langbein said: "It’s usually assumed cattle are not capable of controlling defecation or urination.

"Cattle, like many other animals or farm animals, are quite clever and they can learn a lot.

"Why shouldn’t they be able to learn how to use a toilet?"

Cows freely relieve themselves as they graze, often contaminating local soil and waterways.

They are sometimes confined to barns but in close quarters the urine and faeces combine to create ammonia.

The study shows they can be toilet-trained, enabling waste to be collected and treated.

It keeps barns clean, cuts air pollution and leads to more open, animal-friendly farms.

Subscribe to The Telegraph on YouTube ► https://bit.ly/3idrdLH

Get the latest headlines: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Telegraph.co.uk and YouTube.com/TelegraphTV are websites of The Telegraph, the UK’s best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.