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

Author(s)

D'Aurea, Andre Pastori ^[1] ; Cardoso, Abmael da Silva ^[2] ; Santa Rosa Guimaraes, Yuri ^[2] ; Fernandes, Lauriston Bertelli ^[1] ; Ferreira, Luis Eduardo ^[1] ; Reis, Ricardo Andrade ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Res Ctr Premix Co, BR-14020670 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Sao Paulo State Univ, Coll Agr & Vet Sci, Dept Anim Sci, BR-14884900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SUSTAINABILITY; v. 13, n. 13 JUL 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

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. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/11274-5 - Decomposition of litter and greenhouse gases emission in Brachiaria grasses with increasing nitrogen fertilizer rates
• Grantee: Abmael da Silva Cardoso
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral