Methane emissions from Angus and Brahman heifers fed forage-based diets

Abstract

<p>Enteric methane (CH₄) production from ruminants, especially cattle, is considered the biggest contributor to global greenhouse (GHG) emissions from the agricultural sector. In Australia, grazing cattle and sheep are responsible for 71% of the total Agricultural GHG emissions (Badgery et al. 2023). Grazing beef cattle in Australia are mainly represented by Bos taurus (Angus) in the southern region and Bos indicus (Brahman) in the northern region. Thus, differentiating CH₄ production between the two breeds is essential to calculate the contribution of each breed, not only by the population, but by taking the breed factor into account as a variable. However, measuring CH₄ from grazing livestock, particularly in extensive rangeland environments, is technically prohibitive. This study aimed to investigate the difference in CH₄ emissions from Angus and Brahman heifers kept in a controlled outdoor environment. It was hypothesised that there was a significant difference between CH₄ emissions from Angus and Brahman heifers.</p>