1
|
Dida MF, Garcia SC, Gonzalez LA. Dietary concentrate supplementation increases milk production and reduces predicted greenhouse gas emission intensity in pasture-based commercial dairy farms. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:5639-5652. [PMID: 38522827 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Controlled studies have extensively documented that concentrate supplements typically increase enteric CH4 emissions and milk yield and reduce emissions per unit of milk produced and dry matter intake. However, no studies have been conducted to determine the effect of concentrate on predicted greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farms representing the Australian pasture-based farming system. Thus, this study sought to determine how dietary concentrate supplementation affects enteric and manure CH4, and N2O of Australian pasture-based dairy farms. The Australian Dairy Carbon Calculator was used, which incorporates emission factors and methodologies used in the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory as reported to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Primary data were collected and analyzed from 120 commercial farms in Australia's major dairy regions. Then the farms were divided into 4 groups based on their dietary concentrate supplementation: ≤1 (low; 15 farms), 1 to 2 (moderate; 35 farms), 2 to 3 (high; 35 farms), and ≥3 (very high; 35 farms) t of concentrate dry matter (tDM) per cow per year. Sources of greenhouse gas emissions were CO2 from concentrate production, enteric CH4, and manure CH4 and N2O. Total dry matter intake, milk yield, and daily enteric CH4 production (g/d) quadratically increased with concentrate level, whereas greenhouse gas emission intensity of milk production (kg of CO2 equivalent per kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk) decreased by 14% for farms supplementing with ≥3 tDM/cow per year compared with those supplementing with ≤1 tDM/cow per year of dietary concentrate. The N2O and CH4 emissions from manure increased quadratically and linearly, respectively, with the increasing supplementation of concentrate. Farms supplementing 2 to 3 tDM/cow per year showed substantial increases in gross income, gross margin, earnings before interest and tax, and net income ($/cow per year) compared with those supplementing of ≤1, 1 to 2, and ≥3 tDM/cow per year. Overall, increasing dietary concentrate supplementation for dairy cows resulted in increased milk production per cow, reduced greenhouse gas emissions per unit of milk produced, and increased income and profit. However, a comprehensive life cycle assessment study is needed to account for carbon sequestration by other farm components, such as pastures and trees, which were not considered in the present study. In addition, the present study was based on modeling and did not gather ground truth information for DMI, digestibility, crude protein, and urinary and fecal N excretion. Therefore, data should be interpreted with caution, and studies gathering such information are encouraged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mulisa F Dida
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, 2006 Camden, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sergio C Garcia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, 2006 Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Luciano A Gonzalez
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, 2006 Camden, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chopra R, Rehman MA, Yadav A, Bhardwaj S. Revisiting the EKC framework concerning COP-28 carbon neutrality management: Evidence from Top-5 carbon embittering countries. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120690. [PMID: 38547827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
In the aftermath of the 28th Conference of the Parties (CoP) climate summit in the UAE, the majority of developing countries encounter challenges in attaining their objectives of carbon neutrality for a sustainable economy. The association of economic factors such as economic growth, governance structures, forest area, renewable energy consumption, technological innovation, and urbanization with environmental elements (carbon footprint) is vital for sustainable economic development and environmental management strategies. Therefore, this research reveals this association in five selected high-emitting countries spanning from 1990 to 2022. This research utilizes the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework to investigate the interrelationship between these variables. To do so, this study employs the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lags (CS-ARDL) statistical technique to determine the short- and long-term impacts of the variables under investigation on carbon footprint. In contrast, the mean group (MG) and common correlated effect mean group (CCEMG) have been applied for robustness. The findings revealed that GDP, urbanization, and forest area have positive associations with carbon footprints, whereas GDP square, renewable energy consumption, technological innovation, and governance effectiveness have inverse relationships with carbon footprints. These findings provide all stakeholders with valuable policy recommendations and management advice for accelerating the transition of renewable energy to low-carbon and green growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Chopra
- Jagan Institute of Management Studies, Sector 5, Rohini, Delhi, India.
| | - Mubeen Abdur Rehman
- School of Economics and Public Policy, Adelaide Business School, The University of Adelaide, Australia; School of Business Administration, ILMA University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Anshita Yadav
- Department of Commerce, Gurugram University, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
| | - Seema Bhardwaj
- Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune, India; Maldives Business School, Male, Maldives.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Soliman T, Barnes A, Helgesen IS. The hidden carbon impact of animal disease. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292659. [PMID: 37815985 PMCID: PMC10564140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Livestock production is under scrutiny for its impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Animal disease outbreaks will have economic effects on producers and the indirect cost of an animal disease outbreak is the result of shifts in consumption across commodities. This shift in demand for meat products will also positively or negatively affect carbon emissions. We explore the indirect costs and subsequent carbon impact of four potential exotic disease outbreaks, namely African swine fever, sheep pox, bluetongue, and foot and mouth disease. The indirect costs are quantified under different severities of outbreak using a vector error correction model and by estimating the changes in revenues of livestock and feed markets. By associating subsequent consumption switches with emission factors, we quantify the hidden carbon impact of these livestock disease outbreaks. The indirect costs vary based on severity and type of disease outbreak. Similarly, the net reduction in supply and subsequent consumption impacts result in averting between 0.005 and 0.67 million tonnes of CO2 eq. for these sectors. A foot and mouth disease outbreak has the highest indirect costs and largest reduction in GHG emissions as it decreases the production of cattle as consumers switch to lower emitting meat commodities. Conversely, African swine fever has the smallest reduction in GHG emissions, reflecting the more industrialised nature of pig farming. Our modelling approach opens a provocative debate around how compensation to producers supports restocking and how this relates to commitments to net zero farming. Overall, an exotic disease outbreak may trigger an opportunity to switch to lower emitting breeds or species if a more holistic, joined up approach were taken by Government.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Soliman
- Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Barnes
- Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xie K, Liu F, Zhang C, Hou F. Nitrogen utilisation, energy utilisation and methane emissions of sheep grazing in two types of pasture. Animal 2023; 17:100705. [PMID: 36724585 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Livestock grazing plays a significant role in maintaining grasslands and promoting animal production globally. To understand the livestock performance in sown pasture (SP) vs native pasture (NP) is important to ensure more effective grassland-livestock interactions with minimal environmental impact. A 2 (treatment) * 2 (period) Latin Square design experiment was conducted with 10 growing Hu sheep ♂ × thin-tailed Han sheep ♀ rams grazed perennially SP vs NP in an inland arid region of China. The objectives were to evaluate the effects of grazing management on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) and energy utilisation and methane (CH4) emission. The N intake, N retained and energy intake (gross energy (GE), and digestible and metabolisable energy) of sheep grazing in SP were significantly increased compared with those grazing in NP. There were significant linear relationships between DM intake (DMI) (g/kg BW or g/kg BW0.75) or CH4 (g/kg BW or g/kg BW0.75) emissions and forage nutrient and GE concentrations within each grassland type. The linear regression analysis indicated that forage CP or ether extract concentration was a good predictor for DMI (g/kg BW or g/kg BW0.75) (R2 = 0.756 or 0.752), and CH4 emission could be predicted using forage nutrient and GE concentrations (R2 = 0.381-0.503). These results suggest that DMI and CH4 emissions per unit metabolic BW were accurately predicted by multiple-factor combinations of forage nutrients, including ether extract and CP paired with GE. The present output could provide useful information for the development of sustainable sheep grazing systems in the inland arid regions of the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Fuyao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Fujiang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Smith PE, Kelly AK, Kenny DA, Waters SM. Enteric methane research and mitigation strategies for pastoral-based beef cattle production systems. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:958340. [PMID: 36619952 PMCID: PMC9817038 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.958340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ruminant livestock play a key role in global society through the conversion of lignocellulolytic plant matter into high-quality sources of protein for human consumption. However, as a consequence of the digestive physiology of ruminant species, methane (CH4), which originates as a byproduct of enteric fermentation, is accountable for 40% of global agriculture's carbon footprint and ~6% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, meeting the increasing demand for animal protein associated with a growing global population while reducing the GHG intensity of ruminant production will be a challenge for both the livestock industry and the research community. In recent decades, numerous strategies have been identified as having the potential to reduce the methanogenic output of livestock. Dietary supplementation with antimethanogenic compounds, targeting members of the rumen methanogen community and/or suppressing the availability of methanogenesis substrates (mainly H2 and CO2), may have the potential to reduce the methanogenic output of housed livestock. However, reducing the environmental impact of pasture-based beef cattle may be a challenge, but it can be achieved by enhancing the nutritional quality of grazed forage in an effort to improve animal growth rates and ultimately reduce lifetime emissions. In addition, the genetic selection of low-CH4-emitting and/or faster-growing animals will likely benefit all beef cattle production systems by reducing the methanogenic potential of future generations of livestock. Similarly, the development of other mitigation technologies requiring minimal intervention and labor for their application, such as anti-methanogen vaccines, would likely appeal to livestock producers, with high uptake among farmers if proven effective. Therefore, the objective of this review is to give a detailed overview of the CH4 mitigation solutions, both currently available and under development, for temperate pasture-based beef cattle production systems. A description of ruminal methanogenesis and the technologies used to estimate enteric emissions at pastures are also presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul E. Smith
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Dunsany, Ireland,*Correspondence: Paul E. Smith
| | - Alan K. Kelly
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David A. Kenny
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Dunsany, Ireland
| | - Sinéad M. Waters
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Dunsany, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sari NF, Ray P, Rymer C, Kliem KE, Stergiadis S. Garlic and Its Bioactive Compounds: Implications for Methane Emissions and Ruminant Nutrition. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2998. [PMID: 36359121 PMCID: PMC9654579 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Methane (CH4) emission from enteric fermentation of ruminant livestock is a source of greenhouse gases (GHG) and has become a significant concern for global warming. Enteric methane emission is also associated with poor feed efficiency. Therefore, research has focused on identifying dietary mitigation strategies to decrease CH4 emissions from ruminants. In recent years, plant-derived bioactive compounds have been investigated for their potential to reduce CH4 emissions from ruminant livestock. The organosulphur compounds of garlic have been observed to decrease CH4 emission and increase propionate concentration in anaerobic fermentations (in vitro) and in the rumen (in vivo). However, the mode of action of CH4 reduction is not completely clear, and the response in vivo is inconsistent. It might be affected by variations in the concentration and effect of individual substances in garlic. The composition of the diet that is being fed to the animal may also contribute to these differences. This review provides a summary of the effect of garlic and its bioactive compounds on CH4 emissions by ruminants. Additionally, this review aims to provide insight into garlic and its bioactive compounds in terms of enteric CH4 mitigation efficacy, consistency in afficacy, possible mode of action, and safety deriving data from both in vivo and in vitro studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Fitri Sari
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong 16911, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Partha Ray
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK
- The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA 22203, USA
| | - Caroline Rymer
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK
| | - Kirsty E. Kliem
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK
| | - Sokratis Stergiadis
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6EU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The Role of Anaerobic Digestion and Solar PV to Achieve GHG Neutrality in a Farm Setting. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15061975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Dairy farms are challenged to increase productivity while achieving environmental sustainability, where greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are at the center of the discussion. The U.S. dairy industry leadership has committed to a Net Zero Initiative to achieve GHG neutrality, but the specifics on how to achieve this are still uncertain. Life cycle assessment methods were used to quantify GHGs and net energy intensity (NEI) of a large (1000 cows) and a small (150 cows) farm in Wisconsin. The GHGs are 1.0 and 1.3 kg CO2-eq/kg FPCM and the NEI is 2.4 and 3.2 MJ/kg FPCM for the large and small farm, respectively. The GHG benefits from anaerobic digestion (AD, sized to process all manure on both farms) and PV (sized to match AD electricity production) are not enough to achieve GHG neutrality. Increasing the capacity of these systems showed that AD is more cost-effective for the larger farm, but the challenges and costs related to securing and disposing the extra manure needed for energy production limit its feasibility. For the smaller farm, the total annualized costs to achieve GHG neutrality are lower for PV vs. AD, even before accounting for any transportation costs related to handling the extra manure.
Collapse
|
8
|
Reisinger A, Clark H, Cowie AL, Emmet-Booth J, Gonzalez Fischer C, Herrero M, Howden M, Leahy S. How necessary and feasible are reductions of methane emissions from livestock to support stringent temperature goals? PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2021; 379:20200452. [PMID: 34565223 PMCID: PMC8480228 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2020.0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture is the largest single source of global anthropogenic methane (CH4) emissions, with ruminants the dominant contributor. Livestock CH4 emissions are projected to grow another 30% by 2050 under current policies, yet few countries have set targets or are implementing policies to reduce emissions in absolute terms. The reason for this limited ambition may be linked not only to the underpinning role of livestock for nutrition and livelihoods in many countries but also diverging perspectives on the importance of mitigating these emissions, given the short atmospheric lifetime of CH4. Here, we show that in mitigation pathways that limit warming to 1.5°C, which include cost-effective reductions from all emission sources, the contribution of future livestock CH4 emissions to global warming in 2050 is about one-third of that from future net carbon dioxide emissions. Future livestock CH4 emissions, therefore, significantly constrain the remaining carbon budget and the ability to meet stringent temperature limits. We review options to address livestock CH4 emissions through more efficient production, technological advances and demand-side changes, and their interactions with land-based carbon sequestration. We conclude that bringing livestock into mainstream mitigation policies, while recognizing their unique social, cultural and economic roles, would make an important contribution towards reaching the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement and is vital for a limit of 1.5°C. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Rising methane: is warming feeding warming? (part 1)'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Harry Clark
- New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Annette L. Cowie
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries/University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | - Jeremy Emmet-Booth
- New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Carlos Gonzalez Fischer
- New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Mario Herrero
- Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Cornell Atkinson Centre for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA
| | - Mark Howden
- Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sinead Leahy
- New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC), Palmerston North, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Challenges and opportunities for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions through dairy cattle research in developing countries. J DAIRY RES 2021; 88:3-7. [PMID: 33745462 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029921000182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The global dairy sector is facing the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions whilst increasing productivity to feed a growing population. Despite the importance of this challenge, many developing countries do not have the required resources, specifically funding, expertise and facilities, for quantifying GHG emissions from dairy production and research. This paper aims to address this challenge by discussing the magnitude of the issue, potential mitigation approaches and benefits in quantifying GHG emissions in a developing country context. Further, the paper explores the opportunities for developing country dairy scientists to leverage resources from developed countries, such as using existing relevant GHG emission estimation models. It is clear that further research is required to support developing countries to quantify and understand GHG emissions from dairy production, as it brings significant benefits including helping to identify and implement appropriate mitigation strategies for local production systems, trading carbon credits and achieving the nationally determined contribution obligations of the Paris Agreement.
Collapse
|
10
|
Lean IJ, Golder HM, Grant TMD, Moate PJ. A meta-analysis of effects of dietary seaweed on beef and dairy cattle performance and methane yield. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249053. [PMID: 34252114 PMCID: PMC8274914 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been considerable interest in the use of red seaweed, and in particular Asparagopsis taxiformis, to increase production of cattle and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We hypothesized that feeding seaweed or seaweed derived products would increase beef or dairy cattle performance as indicated by average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency measures, milk production, and milk constituents, and reduce methane emissions. We used meta-analytical methods to evaluate these hypotheses. A comprehensive search of Google Scholar, Pubmed and ISI Web of Science produced 14 experiments from which 23 comparisons of treatment effects could be evaluated. Red seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis) and brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) were the dominant seaweeds used. There were no effects of treatment on ADG or dry matter intake (DMI). While there was an increase in efficiency for feed to gain by 0.38 kg per kg [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.56; P = 0.001] on DerSimonian and Laird (D&L) evaluation, neither outcome was significant using the more rigorous robust regression analysis (P >0.06). The type of seaweed used was not a significant covariable for ADG and DMI, but A. nodosum fed cattle had lesser feed to gains efficiency compared to those fed A. taxiformis. Milk production was increased with treatment on weighted mean difference (WMD; 1.35 ± 0.44 kg/d; P <0.001); however, the SMD of 0.45 was not significant (P = 0.111). Extremely limited data suggest the possibility of increased percentages of milk fat (P = 0.040) and milk protein (P = 0.001) on (D&L) WMD evaluation. The limited data available indicate dietary supplementation with seaweed produced a significant and substantial reduction in methane yield by 5.28 ± 3.5 g/kg DMI (P = 0.003) on D&L WMD evaluation and a D&L SMD of -1.70 (P = 0.001); however, there was marked heterogeneity in the results (I2 > 80%). In one comparison, methane yield was reduced by 97%. We conclude that while there was evidence of potential for benefit from seaweed use to improve production and reduce methane yield more in vivo experiments are required to strengthen the evidence of effect and identify sources of heterogeneity in methane response, while practical applications and potential risks are evaluated for seaweed use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian J. Lean
- Scibus, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
- Dairy Science Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen M. Golder
- Scibus, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
- Dairy Science Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tianna M. D. Grant
- Dairy Science Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter J. Moate
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Ellinbank, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Agricultural Innovation, School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lean IJ, Moate PJ. Cattle, climate and complexity: food security, quality and sustainability of the Australian cattle industries. Aust Vet J 2021; 99:293-308. [PMID: 33973228 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marked increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations are largely associated with the release of sequestered carbon in fossil fuels. While emissions of green-house gasses (GHG) from cattle have significant global warming potential, these are biogenic sources and substantially involve carbon in natural cycles, rather than fossil fuel. Cattle use human inedible feeds and by-products of human food production to produce nutrient-dense foods of great value to humans. INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE GHG PRODUCTION Reductions in land clearing and burning of grasslands and increased carbon sequestration in soils and trees have potential to substantially reduce GHG emissions. Increased efficiencies of production through intensified feeding and enteric modification have markedly reduced intensity of GHG emissions for cattle in Australia. Genetic selection for lower emissions has modest, but cumulative potential to reduce GHG (mostly CH4 ) emissions and intensity. Improved reproductive performance can reduce intensity of GHG emissions, especially in beef production. Feeds and technologies that reduce GHG production and intensity include improved pastures, grain feeding, dietary lipids, nitrates, ionophores, seaweed, 3-NOP, hormonal growth promotants in beef, and improved diets for peri-parturient dairy cattle. There is considerable potential to further reduce emissions from cattle using the technologies reviewed. INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE HEAT STRESS Cattle are susceptible to heat stress and ameliorating interventions include tree and shelter belts, shade, housing, cooling with fans and water and dietary manipulations. CONCLUSIONS Numerous interventions can reduce GHG emissions and intensity from cattle. There are opportunities to increase carbon capture and maintain biodiversity in Australia's extensive rangelands, but these require quantification and application. We can reduce the intensity of CH4 emissions for cattle in Australia and simultaneously improve their well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I J Lean
- Scibus and University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - P J Moate
- Agriculture Victoria, Ellinbank, Victoria, 3821, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from New Zealand pasture-based livestock farm systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.33584/jnzg.2019.81.417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The reduction of the agricultural greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide is likely to play an important role in New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy. A limited range of options currently exists to reduce emissions from pasture-based livestock farming systems. However, several promising options are under development which have the potential to considerably reduce on-farm emissions, such as inhibitors and vaccines. On-farm forestry can be used to offset emissions through carbon sequestration in trees, but more scientifically robust and consistent evidence is needed if soil carbon sequestration is to be used to offset New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Collapse
|