Mitigation options for GHG emissions from ruminants

Abstract

Livestock are one of the major contributors as well as sufferers of climate change. The adverse impact of climate change on livestock sector is now ubiquitary; however, its intensity is stratified. Livestock production among various agricultural sectors is considered one of the major fronts that is accountable for large greenhouse gas emission. The demand for livestock products is expected to accelerate that would essentially come from more livestock. The increasing livestock numbers would cost larger GHG emission. Livestock production and excrement storage contribute three major greenhouse gases, namely, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. The contribution of CO2 in GHG emission from livestock is almost negligible due to its continuous cycling into the biological system. India alone contributes 10 Tg methane to the global pool every year that arises from the enteric fermentation. Major livestock species (cattle and buffalo) in the country is held accountable for 85-90% of the annual enteric methane emission. Countries such as India and China are expected to have maximum increase in enteric methane emission in the world during the next 20 years. Temperature, humidity and storage conditions are major deciding factors for the extent of emission from excrement. The GHG emission from manure management depends on the storage conditions. The anaerobic storage of the dung leads to its decomposition and subsequent CH4 production, whilst aerobic storage results into N2O emission. This chapter dealt with the GHG generated from livestock production including enteric fermentation and excrement management. Ameliorative and preventive measures are discussed in this chapter for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases that originates from livestock production.