Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Different Livestock Production Systems

Abstract

In the face of mounting concerns about the environmental impact of global livestock production, this study delves into the intricate dynamics of greenhouse gas emissions within different livestock production systems, seeking to unravel the complexities that underpin the sustainability of diverse agricultural practices. The study was anchored on the Agricultural Sustainability theory. The main objective of this study was to explore Greenhouse Gas Emissions in different livestock production systems. The study conducted a thorough review and synthesis of diverse scholarly works on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions in different livestock production systems, aiming to gain insights into key theories, methodologies, findings, and gaps in the existing body of knowledge. This study uncovered significant variations in greenhouse gas emissions across diverse livestock production systems. Extensive grazing systems exhibited distinct emission profiles compared to intensive feedlot operations, emphasizing the importance of considering specific system characteristics for assessing environmental sustainability. The research identified key determinants of emissions, with feed composition and manure management practices playing pivotal roles. These findings contribute valuable insights to the discourse on sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the need for targeted and context-specific strategies to enhance the overall environmental sustainability of livestock production. The study's findings significantly contribute to refining existing theoretical models, particularly within the context of agricultural sustainability, by unraveling the variations in greenhouse gas emissions across diverse livestock production systems. This enriched understanding of the complex interplay between agricultural practices and environmental impact benefits theoretical frameworks, such as the Agricultural Sustainability Theory, by providing more context-specific insights into emission dynamics. From a policy perspective, the study guides the development of sustainable agricultural practices by identifying key factors influencing emissions, offering policymakers actionable information for targeted interventions. Recommendations for policies, informed by the study, include promoting practices like rotational grazing, agroforestry integration, and precision livestock farming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.