Less stress, less methane

Equipe ESGpec
May 16, 2024
3 min read

Methane emissions from cows are a significant environmental concern due to this gas's contribution to the greenhouse effect. Recent studies by researchers at Embrapa Dairy Cattle and UFJF indicate that calmer cows emit less methane. This discovery could lead to significant changes in herd management, with positive impacts on both dairy production and environmental sustainability.

Methane and Livestock

Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas, and in livestock farming, enteric fermentation is the main source of this methane, resulting from the digestion of feed by cows. Reducing methane emissions is crucial to mitigating climate change.

Cow Behavior and Methane Emissions

Recent research has shown that calmer cows tend to emit less methane. This may be related to several factors, including:

Stress Reduction : Less stressed cows have more efficient digestive processes, which can reduce methane production.
Feed Efficiency : Calm cows can make better use of nutrients, reducing the amount of fermentation required and, consequently, methane production.
Less Physical Activity : Calmer animals expend less energy, which can result in less methane production.

Studies and Evidence

Studies conducted around the world reinforce the connection between cow temperament and methane emissions. Research conducted with different breeds and under different environmental conditions has yielded consistent results. Through behavioral observations and direct emissions measurements, scientists have been able to correlate the animals' temperament with the amount of methane emitted.

Practical Implications for Livestock

The discovery that calmer cows emit less methane could lead to significant changes in herd management. Some suggested practices include:

Genetic Selection : Breeders can select animals with calmer temperaments for breeding, promoting desirable traits throughout the herd.
Environmental Management : Less stressful environments, with better housing and management conditions, can contribute to animal welfare and stress reduction.
Training and Handling : Training employees to handle animals calmly and efficiently can reduce stress and improve cow behavior.

Benefits for Production and Sustainability

Adopting practices that promote calm in animals can bring several benefits:

Increased Production : Less stressed cows tend to have higher milk production and better overall health.
Environmental Sustainability : Reducing methane emissions directly contributes to mitigating climate change.
Animal Welfare : Promoting animal welfare is a growing value in modern livestock farming, aligning with consumer expectations and regulations.

Conclusion

The relationship between cow behavior and methane emissions offers a unique opportunity for sustainable livestock farming. With appropriate strategies, it is possible to improve production efficiency, animal welfare, and reduce environmental impact. Adopting practices that promote calm in animals can become a fundamental pillar in the quest for more efficient livestock farming.

References

Leite Integral Magazine: [Calmer cows emit less methane; by Mariana Magalhães Campos, Maria Guilhermina Pedroza and Aline Cristina Sant'Anna ](https://www.revistaleiteintegral.com.br/noticia/vacas-mais-calmas-emitem-menos-metano)

PEDROZA, MGM, CAMPOS, MM, PEREIRA, LGR, MACHADO, FS, TOMICH, TR, COSTA, MJRP, SANT ANNA, AC Consistency of temperament traits and their relationships with milk yield in lactating primiparous F1 Holstein - Gyr cows. In: Applied Animal Behavior Science, vol. 222, 104881, 2020.

PEDROZA, MGM, CAMPOS, MM, SACRAMENTO, JP, PEREIRA, LGR, MACHADO, FS, TOMICH, TR, COSTA, MJRP, SANT´ANNA, AC Are dairy cows with a more reactive temperament less efficient in energy metabolism and do they produce more enteric methane? In: Animal, vol. 15, no. 6, p. 100224, 2021.

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the topic, highlighting the importance of new approaches in livestock management to promote sustainability and efficiency.

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