It is hard to believe that educated, intelligent scientists would consider a senseless decision to genetically change a cow to produce less nitrogen in their urine, costing thousands of dollars. It's a wicked waste of money for a man-made problem. The solution is so simple.

Stop feeding cooked grains which cause acidosis. Stop the use of expensive artificial supplements, artificial fertilisers etc that have no place in a cow's diet. Resort to natural organic pasture and produce that gives good results without any bad side effects.

Consider all the chemicals in the food, cosmetics, cleaners, pesticides etc, all washed into the drain and soil one way or another. Fumes from cars, trucks, tractors and aeroplanes all contribute to pollution to a much greater extent than cattle.

Commonsense has fled. Profits come before health and wellbeing of our people and animals.

It's time for a drastic change of attitude if we wish to preserve the fertility and health of our soils, animals and people.

N Broadbent, Ohaupo