Growth-promoting technologies decrease the carbon footprint, ammonia emissions, and costs of California beef...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Animal Science

Background:

• Increased animal performance is a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia (NH3) emissions in livestock production per unit of product.
• Limited data exists on the net emission reduction from beef production systems due to enhanced animal productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate GHG and NH3 emissions from California beef production systems utilizing various management technologies to enhance animal performance.
• To assess the impact of growth-promoting technologies on the environmental footprint of beef production.

Main Methods:

• A partial life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted using the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM).
• IFSM simulates crop growth, feed production, animal performance, and manure management to predict environmental impacts.
• Five beef production systems were simulated: Angus-natural, Angus-implant, Angus-ß2-adrenergic agonists (BAA), Holstein-implant, and Holstein-BAA.

Main Results:

• Use of BAA decreased NH3 emission by 7% in the full production system.
• Combined ionophore, growth implant, and BAA treatments reduced NH3 emission by 13%.
• Carbon footprint reductions were 9% for Angus and 5% for Holstein beef, with specific decreases of 2.2 kg CO2e/kg HCW and 0.5 kg CO2e/kg HCW, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Growth-promoting technologies are cost-effective for mitigating GHG and NH3 emissions in beef production.
• Naturally managed cattle can achieve similar net returns to treated cattle if sold at an 8% premium.
• Enhanced animal productivity offers a viable strategy for reducing the environmental impact of beef production.