STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN DAIRY PRODUCTION. A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

摘要

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) related to animal production is a major concern, but the involvement of government and animal sector stakeholders differs from one country to another. The European Union defined objectives which result in national incentives policies. Political actors and scientists favor a comprehensive approach to promoting sustainable systems: GHG reduction strategies must consider other environmental impacts,societal and economic issues. Strategies for reducing emissions include the three main gases: CH_4, N_2O and CO_2 ; the most promising strategies are reviewed. Currently the main approaches planned for reducing enteric CH_4 through feeding are the use of lipids and additives. Additional research is needed. The interestin increasing animal productivity is debated, because the reduction of CH_4 emissions for the animal is often offset by increased emissions of N_2O and CO_2 or other environmental impacts for the livestock production system. Different techniques to reduce N_2O emissions are discussed. Limiting nitrogen mineral fertilizers to as little as strictly necessary is especially efficient. In addition to reducing GHG emissions, particular attention is paid to increasing carbon storage in soils to partially offset emissions. Thus, there is a wide range of technical solutions for reducing the carbon impact of dairy production.