Grainfed cattle carbon emissions shown to be much less than previous estimates

With the release of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report 2023, the Australian Government has revised the feedlot industry’s contribution to emissions.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has adopted a new Australian-specific equation to calculate enteric methane emissions from grainfed cattle following research conducted by University of New England (UNE).

This research was initiated and funded by Meat & Livestock Australia on behalf of Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) and revises the previous estimates of enteric methane emissions from Australian feedlot cattle downwards by 56 per cent on average in the last 5 years, and 57 per cent in 2021-22.

The National Greenhouse Accounts previously used the Moe and Tyrrell (1979) equation

for predicting the beef feedlot sector’s methane emissions. This previous equation used data from dairy cattle in the United States, where diet and production systems are markedly different from that of modern grain-fed beef cattle in Australia.

According to MLA Managing Director, Michael Crowley, the results gave the industry a much more accurate picture of the industry and path forward for addressing the Australian feedlot sector’s emissions.

“The development of an Australian-specific methodology for calculating Australian grain-fed cattle emissions is a helpful step-forward for the feedlot industry,” Mr Crowley said.

“As technology has improved over time, measurements have become more accurate and now we have proven thorough research that grainfed cattle have lower emissions than previously thought.

"The grain-fed sector is adopting sustainable practices such as reducing methane emissions through advanced feed and management strategies.

“To have a more accurate method to calculate and analyse our emissions, we can focus more closely on addressing enteric methane emissions, making our product even more environmentally sustainable.”   

President of the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA), Grant Garey, said the results showed that feedlots are committed to understanding their emissions and how to reduce them.

“ALFA and MLA have partnered in researching and developing tools to address the climate challenge for over 20 years. This recent advancement in accurate measurement of emissions gives us the tools to further target methane reduction within the feedlot industry,” Mr Garey.

“The research provides lot feeders with accurate information to meet the growing demand for climate-related evidence and reporting.”

Professor of Livestock Production at UNE, Frances Cowley, stated that researched evaluated equations for predicting methane emissions of beef cattle when fed tempered barley-based diets which are typical of the Australian feedlot industry.

“The research involved analysis of previous methane studies on livestock as well as new measurements of methane output at UNE’s facilities,” Prof Cowley said.

“The data collected supported the theory that Australian cattle that were fed a tempered barley-based diet, which is typical of the Australian feedlot industry, produced less emissions than what was calculated with the historic Moe and Tyrrell equation.”

The full report can be viewed here: Assessment of the Australian Feedlot Enteric Methane Inventory equation

To view Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reports, visit: National Inventory Reports and view emissions online at the Australian National Greenhouse Accounts.

ENDS

For media enquiries contact:

Jack Johnston, MLA Corporate Affairs and Media Manager, p: 0407 282 971, e: media@mla.com.au

About MLA:

Meat & Livestock Australia Limited (MLA) delivers marketing and research and development services for Australia's cattle, sheep and goat producers, creating opportunities from their combined investments to build demand and productivity across the supply chain. Most of MLA's funding comes from transaction levies placed on the sale of livestock, with the Australian Government providing matched funding for levy investment in most R&D.

About ALFA:

The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) is the peak national body representing and promoting the views of the Australian cattle feedlot industry. ALFA seeks to improve the profitability, professionalism and community standing of the cattle feedlot industry via representation, strategic levy investment in partnership with MLA, best practice standards, industry development activities and member assistance. For more information about the feedlot industry’s credentials go to: www.grainfedbeef.com.au.

About UNE:

Established in 1954 as Australia's first regional university, the University of New England has for 70 years supported Australia's agricultural sector through exceptional research and teaching. The University is home to the world’s largest methane research facility, conducting nutritional, genetic and technology research to address greenhouse gas emissions and efficiency in livestock. UNE’s livestock research includes “Tullimba” - Australia’s largest commercial-scale research feedlot, and multidisciplinary research capability across livestock production and genetics, meat science and pasture agronomy. UNE's history and capability have made it a favoured partner for livestock industry research.”