Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Beef Cattle Production in Brazil through Animal Management

André Pastori D’Aurea, Abmael da Silva Cardoso, Yuri Santa Rosa Guimarães, Lauriston Bertelli Fernandes, Luis Eduardo Ferreira and Ricardo Andrade Reis
Additional contact information
André Pastori D’Aurea: Research Center Premix Company, São Paulo 14020-670, Brazil
Abmael da Silva Cardoso: Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University, São Paulo 14884-900, Brazil
Yuri Santa Rosa Guimarães: Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University, São Paulo 14884-900, Brazil
Lauriston Bertelli Fernandes: Research Center Premix Company, São Paulo 14020-670, Brazil
Luis Eduardo Ferreira: Research Center Premix Company, São Paulo 14020-670, Brazil
Ricardo Andrade Reis: Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science, São Paulo State University, São Paulo 14884-900, Brazil

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 13, 1-9

Abstract: Beef cattle production is an important agricultural activity in Brazil, which influences environmental and resource consumption. This study analyzed greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts from 17 farms, representing the Brazil’s productive system and determined possible improvements in the production chain. Methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide emissions were evaluated using the updated Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines for national inventories. The GHG inventory included emissions from animals, feeds, and “cradle-to-farm-gate” operations for animal management. Regression analyses of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 eq) emissions and productive indices were performed to identify possible GHG emission hotspots. The results varied considerably among the farms. The GHG yield ranged from 8.63 to 50.88 CO 2 eq kg carcass −1 . The productive indices of average daily gain ( p < 0.0001), area productivity ( p = 0.058), and slaughtering age ( p < 0.0001) were positively correlated with GHG yield. However, no correlation was found with the stocking rate ( p = 0.21). The production chain could be improved through accurate animal management strategies that reduce the slaughtering age and daily weight gain individually or per area using pasture management and strategic animal supplementation, which could subsequently reduce GHG emissions in beef cattle production.

Keywords: GHG emissions; livestock; sustainable intensification; beef production; GHG inventories (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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