ARTICLE 62 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2023 Improvements in genetics have already helped the industry produce more milk with fewer cows and lessened emission intensity, however, further curbs on methane generation are needed.1 Science-based nutrition including feed additives can help support farmers’ efforts to reduce methane generation in dairy production. GHG PRODUCTION AND AGRICULTURE While about three quarters of global GHG generated, such as carbon dioxide and methane, come from the energy sector, agriculture and livestock production also play a noticeable role. For example, in the U.S., about 35% of the anthropogenic methane generated comes from the care of cattle, dairy cows, and swine.2 Current practices are insufficient to allow the dairy industry and individual countries to meet established emission goals. Initiatives to achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets focus on livestock sectors being climate neutral by a certain date. These include projects started by the U.S. Roundtable on Sustainable Beef or 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals set by the U.S. dairy industry, corporate efforts and the international Paris Accords. METHANE AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are some of several gases known to trap heat in the atmosphere. Although carbon dioxide is a more prevalent GHG, methane has been found to be more damaging within its lifetime of about 12 years. As such, efforts to slow warming are focusing on reducing the amounts of methane released. Considering the poDr. Ermias Kebreab, professor of animal science and associate dean for global engagement at UC Davis teamed up with Selko, the feed additive brand of Nutreco, to share research on strategies to reduce the greenhouse gases (GHG) produced by dairy cows. Excerpts from the presentation at the “Effective Strategies to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Dairy Cows” webinar are shared below. A RESEARCHER REPORTS ON REDUCING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF DAIRY HERDS By Selko Feed Additives
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