GREENHOUSE GAS MITIGATION STRATEGIES IN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

Abstract

Worldwide ruminant production contributes 18 % of total greenhouse gases, mainly from carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions as a result of land use change; methane (CH₄) emission from enteric fermentation and manure management; and nitrous oxide (N₂O) from the decomposition of manure in livestock production units. The emission of CH₄ and N₂O impacts animal production. For this reason, there has been work to develop and implement practices aimed at mitigating these emissions, in order to impact the profitability of production units. This manuscript is a review of practical strategies that may be feasible to implement at production units under the approach of livestock system management.