Embrapa study proves that dairy farming in Brazil generates low carbon emissions

A study conducted by Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste (SP) points out that 52 trees per cow are needed in intensive production systems to reach zero carbon milk. Tree planting is a strategy to offset the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and can be used by ranchers to develop more sustainable livestock farming aimed at decarbonization. In extensive systems (low technological level), this amount is 33 eucalyptus trees. The work, published in the international publication Frontiers in Veterinary Science, evaluated the effect of Holstein cows (HPB – Black and White) and Jersolandas at different levels of intensification - continuous grazing with low stocking rate and irrigated rotation with high stocking rate - and the interaction between these two factors in GHG mitigation. In the experiment, the carbon balance between GHG emissions (including methane - enteric CH4) and GHG removals was carried out through soil carbon sequestration. These variables were used to calculate the number of ...