Carbon footprinting of lamb and beef production systems: insights from an empirical analysis of farms in Wales, UK

2009 ◽  
Vol 147 (6) ◽  
pp. 707-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. EDWARDS-JONES ◽  
K. PLASSMANN ◽  
I. M. HARRIS
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Organic Soils ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
System Boundary ◽  
Carbon Footprints ◽  
Carbon Footprinting

SUMMARYCarbon footprinting is an increasingly important method of communicating the climate change impacts of food production to stakeholders. Few studies utilize empirical data collected from farms to calculate the carbon footprints of lamb and beef. Data from two farms in Wales, UK, were employed to undertake such an analysis for two system boundaries.Within a system boundary that considers the embodied greenhouse gases (GHGs) in inputs and on-farm emissions, producing 1 kg of lamb releases 1·3–4·4 kg CO2 eq/kg live weight (case study farm 1) and 1·5–4·7 kg CO2 eq/kg live weight (case study farm 2). The production of beef releases 1·5–5·3 and 1·4–4·4 kg CO2 eq/kg live weight.Within a wider system boundary that also includes GHG emissions from animals and farm soils, lamb released 8·1–31·7 and 20·3–143·5 kg CO2 eq/kg live weight on the two case study farms, and beef released 9·7–38·1 and 18·8–132·6 kg CO2 eq/kg live weight. The difference in emissions for this system boundary relates to nitrous oxides emitted from the organic soils on case study farm 2.These values overlap with nearly all other studies of GHG emissions from lamb and beef production. No direct comparisons between studies are possible due to substantial differences in the methodological approaches adopted.

An economic case study of entire male grain-fed beef from a north-western Queensland production system

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 570 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Wainewright ◽  
A. J. Parker ◽  
W. E. Holmes ◽  
H. Zerby ◽  
L. A. Fitzpatrick
Keyword(s):  
Production System ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Market Prices ◽  
System A ◽  
Study Evaluation ◽  
Gross Margins ◽  
North Western

Assessing the differences in gross margins for a north-western Queensland beef-production system was undertaken using herd-budgeting software. The analysis reviewed the viability of producing beef for the domestic market from either a steer or bull production system. A hypothetical herd of 1200 breeders was created for the case study evaluation. An integrated beef production system from breeding to feedlot finishing was found to be less profitable for bull beef production than for steers at the current market prices. Although bull production was more profitable than steer production during the feedlot phase, the production of bulls in this phase failed to compensate for the earlier economic losses in the weaning phase of –AU$24.04 per adult equivalent for bulls. During the feedlot phase, bull production systems had lower break-even sale prices than did steer production systems. In reviewing two pricing scenarios for bulls, it was found that marketing bulls at the same price as steers was the most profitable production system. We conclude that the production of bull beef from a north-western Queensland production system can be profitable only if bulls can be sold without discount relative to steers.

scholarly journals Carbon footprint in different beef production systems on a southern Brazilian farm: a case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 96 ◽  
pp. 435-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clandio F. Ruviaro ◽  
Cristiane Maria de Léis ◽  
Vinícius do N. Lampert ◽  
Júlio Otávio Jardim Barcellos ◽  
Homero Dewes
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Beef Production

scholarly journals The role of dung beetles in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cattle farming

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor M. Slade ◽  
Terhi Riutta ◽  
Tomas Roslin ◽  
Hanna L. Tuomisto
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Dung Beetle ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Dung Beetles ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Cattle Farming ◽  
New Perspective

Abstract Agriculture is one of the largest anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs), with dairy and beef production accounting for nearly two-thirds of emissions. Several recent papers suggest that dung beetles may affect fluxes of GHGs from cattle farming. Here, we put these previous findings into context. Using Finland as an example, we assessed GHG emissions at three scales: the dung pat, pasture ecosystem and whole lifecycle of milk or beef production. At the first two levels, dung beetles reduced GHG emissions by up to 7% and 12% respectively, mainly through large reductions in methane (CH4) emissions. However, at the lifecycle level, dung beetles accounted for only a 0.05–0.13% reduction of overall GHG emissions. This mismatch derives from the fact that in intensive production systems, only a limited fraction of all cow pats end up on pastures, offering limited scope for dung beetle mitigation of GHG fluxes. In contrast, we suggest that the effects of dung beetles may be accentuated in tropical countries, where more manure is left on pastures and dung beetles remove and aerate dung faster and that this is thus a key area for future research. These considerations give a new perspective on previous results and suggest that studies of biotic effects on GHG emissions from dung pats on a global scale are a priority for current research.

scholarly journals Climate Change Impacts on Livestock Production Systems: A Review

2014 ◽  
pp. 148-189
Author(s):  
Angie Poliquit
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Indirect Impacts ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2

The socio-economic contribution of livestock production to global livelihood and food security offsets its negative effects on the environment through greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Livestocks are emitters of GHGs, carbon dioxide (CO2) from land conversion and deforestation, nitrous oxide (N2O) from manure and slurry, and methane (CH4) from animal digestion which significantly contribute to climate change. Climate change has both direct and indirect impacts on animal farming. Thus, the main concern nowadays is toward the development of programs for adaptation and mitigation of GHG emissions. This review provides knowledge about climate change impacts on livestock production systems with the identification of strategies for livestock adaptation to climate change and mitigation of GHG emissions.

Evaluation of British Friesian, Canadian Holstein and beef breed × British Friesian steers slaughtered over a commercial range of fatness from 16-month and 24-month beef production systems 1. Live-weight gain and efficiency of food utilization

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Southgate ◽  
G. L. Cook ◽  
A. J. Kempster
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Other ◽  
Food Utilization ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Overall Efficiency ◽  
Breed Crosses ◽  
Sire Breed

ABSTRACTThe live-weight gain (LWG) and efficiency of food utilization of purebred British Friesian and Canadian Holstein steers and of crossbred steers out of British Friesian dams by Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Lincoln Red, Simmental, South Devon and Sussex sires were examined in two beef production systems. One was similar to the commercial 18-month grass/cereal system (16-month) and the other to a commercial 2-year system (24-month). The cattle were serially slaughtered at three levels of fatness covering the commercial range and determined by the use of the Scanogram ultrasonic machine. The trial extended over 4 years and involved a total of 650 cattle. Data for the two production systems were analysed separately. Changes in growth performance were examined relative to estimated carcass subcutaneous fat content (g/kg; SFC) and sire breed crosses compared at the mean fatness level within system: 65 g/kg SFe for 16-month and 74 g/kg SFe for 24-month.Sire breed differences were not detected (P > 0·05) in the regressions on SFe of age and live weight at slaughter, overall daily LWG and overall efficiency of weight gain. Pooled within sire breed, live at slaughter and age at slaughter increased by 2·5 kg and 2·8 days (16-month) and 2·2 kg and 2·1 days (24-month) for each g/kg increase in SFe.Charolais crosses and Canadian Holsteins were heaviest at equal SFC in both systems, but the latter were 63 days older (16-month) and 42 days older (24-month): Hereford, Lincoln Red and Sussex crosses were lightest and among the youngest in both systems.Sire breed crosses differed significantly in daily LWG: Charolais crosses grew fastest in both systems; the relative growth rate of other sire breed crosses was less consistent between the two although the Hereford crosses and British Friesians grew slowly in both systems. Overall efficiency of LWG (g gain per kg digestible organic matter intake) ranged from 164 to 205 (16-month) and 146 to 171 (24-month). Canadian Holsteins and British Friesians had the lowest efficiency of LWG in both systems of production; differences between the other breeds were not statistically significant (P > 0·05).

Carbon footprint of conventional and organic beef production systems: An Italian case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 576 ◽  
pp. 129-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Buratti ◽  
F. Fantozzi ◽  
M. Barbanera ◽  
E. Lascaro ◽  
M. Chiorri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Italian Case

A comparison of the progeny of British Friesian dams and different sire breeds in 16- and 24-month beef production systems 1. Live-weight gain and efficiency of food utilization

1982 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Southgate ◽  
G. L. Cook ◽  
A. J. Kempster
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Other ◽  
Food Utilization ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Ultrasonic Machine ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Breed Crosses ◽  
Sire Breed

ABSTRACTThe live-weight gain and efficiency of food utilization of purebred British Friesian steers and of crossbred steers out of British Friesian dams by Aberdeen-Angus, Charolais, Devon, Hereford, Lincoln Red, Simmental, South Devon and Sussex sires were examined in two beef production systems. One system was similar to the commercial 18-month grass/cereal system (16-month system) and the other to a commercial 2-year system (24-month system). The cattle were slaughtered at a standard level of fatness, determined by the use of the Scanogram ultrasonic machine.The trial extended over 3 years and a total of 579 cattle were involved.Data for the two production systems were analysed separately. Adjustment was made to equal age at the beginning of the test and to equal carcass subcutaneous fat concentration.There were important differences between sire breeds in daily live-weight gain (P < 0.05), the order of performance for the different sire breeds being similar in the two systems. Charolais and Simmental crosses grew fastest, followed by South Devon crosses, and then by the purebred British Friesian and the other native breed crosses. Faster growing sire-breed crosses were generally heavier and older at slaughter; they ate more, and there was no obvious relationship between sire-breed means for growth rate and efficiency. The range in efficiency between sire breeds was 27 g and 17 g live-weight gain per kg digestible organic matter intake for the 16- and 24- month systems respectively. In both systems, Hereford crosses ranked highest and the purebred British Friesian among the lowest. Probability levels for sire breed differences were P < 0.1 (16 month) and P < 0.01 (24 month).

scholarly journals Food Security and Climate Stabilization: Can Cereal Production Systems Address Both?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1223
Author(s):  
Long Liang ◽  
Bradley G. Ridoutt ◽  
Liyuan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
World Population ◽  
Emission Data ◽  
Carbon Footprints ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Rotation System ◽  
Cereal Production

There is abundant evidence that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of cereal products, expressed per ton of grain output, have been trending downward over the past 20 years. This has largely been achieved through agricultural intensification that has concurrently increased area-based GHG emissions. The challenge is for agriculture to increase grain yields to meet the food demands of a growing world population while also contributing to climate stabilization goals by reducing net GHG emissions. This study assessed yield-based and area-based emissions and efficiencies for the winter wheat–summer maize (WWSM) rotation system over the period 1996 to 2016 using long-term, longitudinal, farm survey data and detailed soil emission data in Huantai county, Shandong Province, which is an archetype for cereal production across the North China Plain (NCP). In this region, yields have been increasing over time. However, nitrogen fertilizer inputs have decreased substantially with greater adoption of soil nutrient testing. In addition, there has been widespread adoption of residue incorporation into soils. As such, since 2002, the product carbon footprints of wheat and maize have reduced by 25% and 30%, respectively. Meanwhile, area-based carbon footprints for the rotation system have reduced by around 15% over the same period. These findings demonstrate the importance of detailed assessment of soil N2O emissions and rates of soil organic carbon sequestration. They also show the potential for net reductions in GHG emissions in cropping without loss of grain yields.

A comparison of the progeny of British Friesian dams and different sire breeds in 16- and 24-month beef production systems 2. Carcass characteristics, and rate and efficiency of meat gain

1982 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Kempster ◽  
G. L. Cook ◽  
J. R. Southgate
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Breed Differences ◽  
Mature Size ◽  
Sire Breed ◽  
Better Than

ABSTRACTCarcass characteristics of purebred British Friesian steers and crossbred steers by eight sire breeds out of British Friesian dams, in 16-month and 24-month beef production systems, were compared. Sire breeds included Charolais, Simmental and the main traditional British beef breeds. A total of 579 cattle were involved.The cattle were slaughtered at a fixed level of fatness and the carcasses evaluated using a standardized commercial cutting technique. Data were adjusted to equal carcass subcutaneous fat concentration.Sire breed differences were similar in both feeding systems. Charolais crosses killed-out best and Aberdeen- Angus and Devon crosses poorest; the range was 25 g/kg live weight.Significant differences were recorded between breeds in the proportion of saleable meat in the carcass (P<0·001): Charolais, Sussex and Aberdeen-Angus crosses had the highest values, on average being 15g/kg carcass weight better than purebred Friesians. Breed differences were detected in the proportion of total saleable meat occurring in the higher-priced joints, Simmental and Charolais crosses ranking highest, but the range across sire breeds was only 10 g/kg carcass weight. There were important differences between sire breeds in rate of meat weight gain that were related to mature size.Purebred Friesians were less efficient than either Charolais or Hereford crosses in converting food into meat in the 24-month system. Friesians also had the lowest efficiency and Hereford crosses the highest efficiency in the 16-month system, although the differences were not statistically significant.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document