Face masks for cows are the latest idea for reducing methane emissions.

A company has made a face mask for cows to reduce the amount of methane they release when they burp and breathe, writes Amy Reast of SWNS.

London-based ZELP produced a mask to help with rising emissions largely due to methane produced by cattle.

The unusual mask, worn on a cow's nose, neutralises the methane that it breathes out.

The methane travels through a catalyst and gets oxidised, so instead of releasing the greenhouse gas, it releases water vapour and carbon dioxide.

ZELP claims "neutralizing methane emissions is the single fastest way to stop climate change".

Their experts claim contrary to common belief, around 95 per cent of the methane is expelled via the exhalation and belching of cows - not farts.

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The device fits 'comfortably' around a cow's head and should be worn constantly from the age of six to eight months, the designers said.

ZELP were one of four winners of the Terra Carta Design Lab, a competition to develop solutions to the environmental crisis.

The Terra Carta Design Lab is a Royal College of Art (RCA) student and alumni-led response to environmental challenges.

It forms part of the HRH The Prince of Wales’ Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) which aims to "build a sustainable future".

Each winner receive £50k funding and mentoring from Sir Jony Ive, chancellor of the RCA, and the corporate members of the SMI network.