Date: Sun, 25 Jan 1998 08:09:50 +0000
From: Mark Jones <Jones_M-AT-netcomuk.co.uk>
Subject: Re: M-I: Thorstein Veblen on the fur trade and American Indians


Facts about termites:

1. Al Gore says he has them in his leg
2. It is thought that there are 7 tonnes of termites per human on earth. and
the quantity keeps in lockstep due to deforestation
3. Termites' efficient intestines digest 90% of wood cellulose (cf 20-30% in
cattle) which produces methane as a by-product. Termites are therefore
seriosuly global warming

Mark

boddhisatva wrote:

>                 C. Carrol,
>
>         It's not grain protein but structural carbohydrates (cellulose)
> that ruminants are able to access.  Termites and other decomposers also
> can use it, and it conditions the soil when decaying.  An efficient
> agricultural system would, as you suggest, make use of plant fiber for
> feeding ruminants such as cattle.  That is, unless we all develop a taste
> for termites.
>
>         peace
>
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