Livestock, inclusive of cattle, chickens, sheep, pigs and
goats, are responsible for nearly 14.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
according to the United National Food and Agriculture Organisation.
This means that the emissions
from livestock are at par, if not a little in excess, with emissions from
transport that stand at around 14% according to the UN
Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change. Their study shows that ruminant mammals like
cows are responsible for the highest amount of emissions, followed by
non-ruminant mammals and poultry, in that order.
It’s no secret that India is
home to largest cow population in the world. Between Mother Dairy, Amul and
various regional milk brands, milk is essentially India’s largest ‘crop’ valued
at around ₹650 billion.
Scientists in India are
exploring how to tailor the diet of cattle so that they produce 12-15% less methane.
There are a quite a few different schools of thought on the matter. While some
approach the problem from the consumption side, where human choice behavior is analyzed,
others believe the solutions lie in changing livestock rearing techniques.
Canada investing $1.1 million
to reduce cattle farts (sorry, bovine methane gas emissions). “Reducing
the amount of greenhouse gases produced by the cattle sector is important both
environmentally, economically and helps build public trust. Producers want to
operate in a sustainable fashion and our study results will help them do that,”
said Dr. Erasmus Okine, University of Lethbridge Vice-President Research.
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