SE Greenhouse Gases from Ruminant Livestock

March 7, 2023

It is estimated that approximately 3.6% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are due to enteric fermentation in domestic livestock. A research program initiated in the early 2000s by Dr. Beauchemin and her colleagues at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has established methods to measure these emissions from cattle. The goal has been to develop strategies to reduce the enteric methane that is produced by cattle as a byproduct of digesting fiber. This research is leading to novel nutritional approaches that improve air quality and lessen the environmental footprint of the livestock sector. In addition to curbing GHG emissions, reducing methane produced during feed digestion improves the efficiency by which dairy cows and beef cattle convert plant material into food (milk and meat) for people.