A 40% reduction in methane emissions is possible for Irish beef production. This is reported by meat processor ABP in collaboration with Teagasc and ICBF. It is the first time that Irish companies have pledged targets for sustainability and CO2 reduction.
By breeding the right genes, the so-called 'feed conversion ratio' can be improved. This causes cattle to grow faster, but at a younger age. This allows animals to go to the slaughterhouse earlier. This achieves a major reduction in methane emissions on the farm. The researchers speak of a reduction of 40%.
It obviously has many environmental benefits, but the tactic is also good for Irish beef production, the ABP says. It also provides the beef farmer with an average profit of €200 per animal, the report found.
A real goal
Dean Holroyd, Director of Technical and Sustainability at ABP Food Group: "We have been working with Teagasc and ICBF for more than 6 years to make beef production more sustainable. These figures show what is possible on an Irish beef farm."
The so-called 'Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)' is now examining whether the targets in the country are also in line with the targets in the Paris Climate Agreement.
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