CONSIDERATIONS OF ANIMAL WELFARE IN STRATEGIES FOR THE DECREASE OF ENTERIC METHANE PRODUCTION BY RUMINANTS

Abstract

There is a need to significantly increase food production to meet the needs of a population in constant growth. Nevertheless, livestock activity is one of the main generators of greenhouse gases (GHG): carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), with methane being the most important both for its impact on the environment and for the amount produced by ruminants. This situation is one of the great challenges of global bioethics and has led to the search for alternatives that allow reducing methane emissions and therefore their impact on the environment. However, some strategies are in conflict with the principles of animal welfare, causing some damage to ruminants and human health. This document makes a brief analysis of some strategies and their impact on the welfare of ruminants.