Livestock Methane Emission from Manure and Gastroenteric Release in Isfahan Province

Methane (CH4) is a hazardous greenhouse gas released from various sources particularly agricultural activities. Population growth, economic development and urban migration have enhanced demand for animal protein and consequently livestock methane emission. In this study methane emission from livestock including enteric fermentation and manure management and storage was investigated in Isfahan Province. Emissions were calculated using the number of livestock species (goat, sheep, cattle, camel and poultry) and the relevant emission coefficients of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The results demonstrated that the total amount of methane emission was about 62000 tons/year mainly from livestock gastroenteric releases (82% of total). Furthermore, among the livestock, cattle showed the highest contribution of methane emission which was about 43000 tons/year (70% of total). Therefore, cattle production management could be the main approach to reduce methane emission form livestock in the study area.

Livestock Methane Emission from Manure and Gastroenteric Release in Isfahan Province Keywords:

Methane , Livestock , Greenhouse gasses , Emission