The Path to Sustainable Livestock: Reducing Methane Emissions with STEP UP
Livestock agriculture is a key component of global food production, providing essential nutrients for billions of people around the world. However, the industry also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through the production of methane. The majority of CH4 emissions from the agricultural sector are a consequence of microbial-mediated enteric fermentative processes in ruminant livestock. Read on to learn more about methane impact and ways to reduce it.
Mitigating Methane Emissions in Livestock Agriculture: Challenges and Strategies
Livestock, particularly ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats, produce methane as a byproduct of their digestive process. When these animals digest their food, they produce methane through a process called enteric fermentation where the methane is released into the atmosphere through belching and flatulence, contributing to the overall greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock sector.
According to the FAO, the world ruminant population increased by 66 per cent from 1960 to 2017, whereas the population of non-ruminants has increased even more rapidly by 435 per cent over the same period. It is predicted that the global demand for animal production will increase by 60 to 70 per cent by 2050, which will further exacerbate GHG emissions from animal agriculture.
The livestock is responsible for around 14,5 % of global greenhouse gas emissions, with enteric fermentation being the largest source of methane emissions. As the global population continues to grow and demand for animal production increases, finding ways to reduce methane emissions from livestock agriculture is crucial for mitigating climate change. Several strategies can be implemented to increase the sustainability of livestock agriculture and reduce methane emissions. These strategies range from dietary interventions to methane capture technologies, and each plays a crucial role in helping to make the livestock sector more environmentally friendly.
Understanding Methane Sources in Livestock Production
According to Successful Farming, global agricultural emissions reached 7.8 billion metric tons in 2021. Of these emissions, approximately 53% were linked to livestock-related activities. Enteric fermentation in ruminant livestock alone accounted for 2.9 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, representing 37% of total agricultural emissions.
The main producer of Methan in livestock production is:
- Enteric fermentation: 44%, primarily from non-dairy cattle (55%), dairy cattle (19%), buffaloes (11%), sheep (7%), goats (5%), and others (3%).
- Manure left on pasture: with 17%,
- Manure management: 8%,
- Manure applied to soil: 2%,
- Synthetic fertilizer: 15%,
- Crop cultivation: 11%
- Crop residues: 3%
As mentioned, livestock, particularly ruminant animals like cattle, sheep and goats, are significant contributors to methane emissions. Methane from livestock primarily originates from their digestive processes and manure management.
Enteric Fermentation: This is the digestive process that occurs in the rumen of ruminant animals. The rumen is a complex ecosystem composed of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, archaea and bacteriophages, all of which contribute to dietary energy harvesting and resultant nutrient supply to the host. Methane is released when these animals burp. The methane produced in the rumen is primarily a result of the anaerobic digestion of fibrous feed materials by methanogenic archaea.
Manure Management: Methane can also be emitted during the storage and management of livestock manure. When manure decomposes under anaerobic conditions (pits, or during storage), methane is produced as a natural part of the decomposition process. The amount of methane emitted depends on various factors such as temperature, moisture content and management practices.
Methane (CH4) from livestock production is a part of the natural carbon (C) cycle that has been happening since the beginning of life on our planet. Through photosynthesis, carbon dioxide (CO2) is extracted from the atmosphere and fixed as carbohydrates in plant material. Livestock (mostly cattle) consume these carbohydrates, which are partly decomposed in the animal and excreted in manure, where some of the carbon is transformed into carbon dioxide and methane gases respired back to the atmosphere.
Most of this methane is oxidized in the troposphere (lowest level of atmosphere) by hydroxyl radicals, through a chain of reactions. Within 10 years of its release, more than 90% of the methane is removed from the atmosphere with carbon in the methane transformed back to carbon dioxide to become available for fixation in plants. Methane has a shorter lifetime than carbon dioxide, which affects the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions.
Ways to Increase Sustainability
One of the most effective ways to reduce methane emissions from livestock is through dietary interventions. By adjusting the diet of ruminant animals, it is possible to decrease the amount of methane produced during digestion. For example, including high-quality forages and grains in the diet can help to improve digestion efficiency and reduce methane production. Additionally, adding certain feed additives such as garlic, seaweed, or probiotics can also help to inhibit methane production in the rumen.
Another key strategy for reducing methane emissions is through improved manure management practices. Manure contains a significant amount of methane-producing bacteria, which can be released into the atmosphere if not properly managed. By implementing anaerobic digestion systems or composting techniques, it is possible to capture and utilise methane from manure as a renewable energy source, rather than allowing it to escape into the atmosphere.
Furthermore, advancements in methane capture technologies offer another promising solution for reducing emissions from livestock agriculture. Methane digesters can be installed on farms to capture methane emissions from manure storage facilities or animal housing, converting it into biogas for use as a renewable energy source. This not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also provides farmers with an additional source of income through the sale of renewable energy.
In addition to these strategies, improving animal health and welfare can also play a role in reducing methane emissions from livestock agriculture. Healthy animals are more efficient at digesting their food, which can lead to lower methane production. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition and comfortable living conditions can all contribute to the overall health and well-being of livestock, ultimately helping to reduce their environmental impact.
Overall, increasing the sustainability of livestock and reducing methane emissions is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. There are already some agendas, strategies and standards that help us have more sustainable livestock production, which will hopefully help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure a better future.
Sustainable Livestock Production: Reducing Methane Emissions with STEP UP
STEP UP, the new Horizon Europe project which began in January 2024 and will run until December 2027, also addresses the issue of methane emissions by accessing and analysing Innovative Livestock Production Systems (ILPS) as a testing ground. Collecting data on greenhouse gas emissions in livestock and presenting new ways to reduce them, educating farmers and other stakeholders are necessary moves in order to meet the needs for livestock production, and to ensure sustainability. ILPS will enable more informed and sustainable livestock systems, enhancing efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and improving animal welfare.
Lastly, for the STEP UP project, which involves extensive stakeholder engagement, social indicators are crucial for understanding the broader impacts of livestock production on rural communities. By promoting social sustainability, the project can ensure that its efforts to enhance livestock systems also contribute to the well-being of local populations and foster community resilience.
Conclusion:
Methane emissions from livestock agriculture are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, with enteric fermentation being the largest source of methane production. By implementing a range of strategies to reduce methane emissions, including dietary interventions, manure management practices, methane capture technologies, and animal health improvements, it is possible to make significant strides towards a more environmentally friendly livestock sector. Through collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and researchers, we can work together to create a more sustainable future for livestock agriculture and help combat climate change.
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