Greenhouse Gas Emissions Boards
Beef Carbon Footprint | Enteric Methane Emissions | Methane Measurement at Pasture | Measuring Enteric Methane Emissions with the GreenFeed Systems | Rumen Microbiome and Enteric Methane Emissions | Carbon Farming on Grassland Farms | MSS and Enteric Methane | Genetic Improvement Research | Reducing Enteric Methane with Natural Feed Additives | Reducing Enteric Methane with Synthetic Feed Additves (3NOP) | Reducing Enteric Methane with Oxidising Methane Inhibitors
Beef Carbon Footprint
Beef Carbon Footprint (PDF)
Summary
- A fully integrated, science-led approach to quantifying carbon footprint.
Methane: The main farm greenhouse gas.
- Enteric Methane: 59%
- Manure Management: 13%
- Fertilizer Application: 11%
- Fertilizer Production: 8%
- Other: 9%
Enteric Methane Emissions
Enteric Methane Emissions (PDF)
Summary
- Enteric Methane Emssions are gas produced as a by-product during feed digestion.
- Diet, animal genetics, maturity and rumen microbiome are factors which influence enteric methane emissions.
Methane Measurement at Pasture
Methane Measurement at Pasture (PDF)
Summary
- Highly variable daily average methane output.
Measuring Enteric Methane Emissions with the GreenFeed Systems
Measuring Enteric Methane Emissions with the GreenFeed Systems (PDF)
Summary
- GreenFeed system measures enteric methane emissions emitted by animals.
- Methane, Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen measured.
Rumen Microbiome and Enteric Methane Emissions
Rumen Microbiome and Enteric Methane Emissions (PDF)
Summary
- Rumen microbiome is a key contributor to enteric methane emissions.
- Multiple microbial based strategies currently under investigation.
Carbon Farming on Grassland Farms
Carbon Farming on Grassland Farms (PDF)
Summary
- Choose actions that you can undertake and implement.
- Sign up for the Teagasc SignPost Advisory Programme.
MSS and Enteric Methane
MSS and Enteric Methane (PDF)
Summary
- No difference in feed intake, methane emissions or growth performance between PRG-WC and MSS.
- Research underway to investigate the biochemical composition of both swards.
Genetic Improvement Research
Genetic Improvement Research (PDF)
Summary
- Global-leading initiatives have further consolidated the high sustainability of Irish beef to meet our ambitious emission targets using a science-led approach.
Reducing Enteric Methane with Natural Feed Additives
Reducing Enteric Methane with Natural Feed Additives (PDF)
Summary
- Brown seaweeds did not consistently reduce methane emissions.
- Some potential for novel seaweed ‘extracts’.
- Refined oils from oilseeds and rapeseed cake can successfully reduce methane emissions.
Reducing Enteric Methane with Synthetic Feed Additives (3NOP)
Reducing Enteric Methane with Synthetic Feed Additives (PDF)
Summary
- Bovaer reduced methane emissions by 30%.
- No negative effects on animal production performance.
- Optimum results when fed in TMR.
- Research ongoing to optimise slow release formulation for pasture based systems.
- Not suitable for pelleted rations.
Reducing Enteric Methane with Oxidising Methane Inhibitors
Reducing Enteric Methane with Oxidising Methane Inhibitors (PDF)
Summary
- CaO2 can reduce methane by up to 29%.
- No effects on animal performance.
- Research is ongoing to optimise inclusion rates and develop slow release technology.