Trends in greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cattle in Mexico between 1970 and 2010
J. A. Rendón-Huerta A E , J. M. Pinos-Rodríguez B , J. C. García-López B , L. G. Yáñez-Estrada C and E. Kebreab D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Programa Multidisciplinario de Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP), Avenida Manual Nava 201, Zona Universitaria, 78290, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
B Instituto de Investigación de Zonas Desérticas, UASLP, Altair No. 200. Fraccionamiento del Llano, 78377, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
C Departamento de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina, UASLP, Avenida Manuel Nava 201, Zona Universitaria, 78290, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
D Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis CA, 95616, USA.
E Corresponding author. Email: jrendonhuerta@hotmail.com
Animal Production Science 54(3) 292-298 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN12327
Submitted: 19 September 2012 Accepted: 4 April 2013 Published: 21 May 2013
Abstract
The objective of the present work was to estimate and assess trends in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), from dairy cows in Mexico from the base year of 1970 to 2010. Empirical and mechanistic models were used to estimate enteric methane emissions based on chemical composition of diets. Methane from manure was calculated using Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) and US Environmental Protection Agency recommended equations. N2O emission was calculated according to IPCC recommendations. Compared with the 1970s, current management practices using modern dairy cows increased feed conversion efficiency 32% and milk yield 62%. GHG emission intensity (i.e. emissions per unit of product) was reduced 30%, 25% and 30% for CH4, N2O and total emissions, respectively. The study showed that although GHG emissions in absolute terms increased in the past 40 years, emission intensity decreased due to higher level of production. This trend is likely to continue in the future, assuming milk production follows the same increasing trend as in other countries in North America.
Additional keywords: environmental impact, methane, milk production, nitrous oxide.
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