METHANE AND CATTLE IN MEXICO: PART OF THE SOLUTION AND NOT OF THE PROBLEM?

Abstract

Cattle production in Mexico uses nearly 58 % of the territory, which makes it mainly extensive. Despite being the main origin of greenhouse gases (GHG), extensive cattle production has a high mitigation potential (20-40 % of current levels) if practices such as pasture management, adequate nutritional management and genetic selection are implemented. Furthermore, grasslands and pastures used in extensive production systems have a role to play in carbon sequestration which would help balance the impact of such systems in the environment. However, in order to adequately account for emission of cattle production systems, environmental services that these production systems provide need to be also recorded. Additionally, work on individual mitigation at animal level is still the main focus of most of research carried out to reduce environmental impact of cattle production. Researchers can now work on determining effective GHG mitigation methods and strategies at animal and farm levels to allow cattle production systems sustainabilty in the long term. The strategies developed need to minimise environmental impact of cattle production striking a balance between productivity, ecosystemic health and wellbeing of farmers and local communities.