Livestock GHGs lecture 5- Marc Flashcards
what defines a ruminant?
Ruminants are those animals that contain a multi-chambered digestive system
how does the ruminant digestive system function?
The digestive system changes food nutrients into compounds that are easily absorbed into the bloodstream
is there more GHG produced from livestock production or their feed?
Livestock- 3.5Gt
feed production - 3.3Gt
what percentage of human- made GHG emission are from Livestock?
14.5%
what does GGELS stand for?
European Greenhouse Gases Emissions from Livestock Production Systems (GGELS project)
Advantages of Feedlots? (USA)
Calves spend about one year in pasture
Transferred to a feedlot for “finishing” and fed high energy grains
Slaughtered when aged 14-18 months
Average weight 1350 lb
Disadvantages of Feedlots (USA)
Environmental, antibiotics in feed, grain production and shipment, animal welfare
Advantages of grass- fed (USA)
Entire lives in pasture
Slaughtered when aged 18 to 24 months
Average weight 1200 lb
Disadvantages of grass- fed (USA)
More land required; GHG emissions 37% higher due to longer finishing times and weight
what is smart grass
SmartGrass: Multispecies mixtures to enhance grazing production, silage production, biodiversity.
what is the pasture base
Pasture Base:In-built grass decision support tool. Stores data inputted by farmers in a database – information can be used to increase the level of grass production and utilization at farm level
what is GrassQ?
GrassQ: Development of Ground Based and Remote Sensing, automated ‘real-time’ grass quality measurement techniques to enhance grassland management information platforms
can grazing enhance soil carbon?
promote growth of extensive roots and manure adds to soil carbon
Maintaining UK grassland landscapes without grazing would require mechanical mowing
holistic management required
