Abstract:
The FAO publication, Livestock’s Long Shadow, indicated that livestock is responsible for 18% of the
world’s greenhouse gas production thereby creating the perception that livestock is a major cause of global
warming. Methane (CH4) makes up 16% of total world gas emissions and is the second most important
greenhouse gas (GHG) after carbon dioxide (CO2). Ruminants are important to mankind since most of the
world’s vegetation biomass is rich in fibre and only ruminants can convert this vegetation into high quality
protein sources for human consumption. In spite of this important role of livestock, it is singled out as
producing large quantities of GHG that contribute to climate change, since enteric fermentation is
responsible for 28% of global CH4 emissions. However, the net effect from livestock is only a 4.5%
contribution to GHG. The livestock industry should be aware of the effect of livestock on climate change and
therefore it is important that mechanisms are put in place to mitigate this effect. The improvement of
production efficiency through increased production per constant unit, crossbreeding and genetic
improvement may be a cost effective and permanent way of reducing the carbon footprint of beef cattle.
