downtoearth-subscribe

Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in livestock production: a review of technical options for non-CO2 emissions

  • 01/06/2013
  • FAO

Animal agriculture substantially contributes to the world economy by providing food, jobs, and financial security for billions of people. With increasing concerns over global climate change and pollution, efforts are underway to reduce the overall environmental impact of animal production. This document analyses emission of non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases, an important segment of the environmental footprint of animal production. It has been developed by a team that included experts in animal/ruminant nutrition, manure and soil management, animal and whole-farm modeling, and animal reproduction. Over 900 publications focusing on nutritional and manure management mitigation strategies for methane (enteric or from manure) and nitrous oxide emissions were reviewed and analysed, and a synthesis of feed-, animal management- and manure management-based mitigation approaches and interactions amongst them has been presented.