Use of new technologies to evaluate the environmental footprint of feedlot systems

N Andy Cole; David B Parker; Richard W Todd; April B Leytem; Robert S Dungan; Kristen E Hales; Shanna L Ivey; Jenny Jennings

doi:10.1093/tas/txx001

Use of new technologies to evaluate the environmental footprint of feedlot systems

Transl Anim Sci. 2018 Jan 22;2(1):89-100. doi: 10.1093/tas/txx001. eCollection 2018 Feb.

Authors

N Andy Cole¹, David B Parker¹, Richard W Todd¹, April B Leytem², Robert S Dungan², Kristen E Hales³, Shanna L Ivey⁴, Jenny Jennings⁵

Affiliations

¹ USDA-ARS-Conservation and Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, TX.
² USDA-ARS-Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Kimberly, ID.
³ USDA-ARS-Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE.
⁴ Department of Animal and Range Science at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM.
⁵ Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Amarillo, TX.

Abstract

With increased concern over the effects of livestock production on the environment, a number of new technologies have evolved to help scientists evaluate the environmental footprint of beef cattle. The objective of this review was to provide an overview of some of those techniques. These techniques include methods to measure individual feed intake, enteric methane emissions, ground-level greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions, feedlot and pasture emissions, and identify potential pathogens. The appropriate method to use for measuring emissions will vary depending upon the type of emission, the emission source, and the goals of the research. These methods should also be validated to assure they produce accurate results and achieve the goals of the research project. In addition, we must not forget to properly use existing technologies and methods such as proper feed mixing, feeding management, feed/ingredient sampling, and nutrient analysis.

Keywords: beef cattle; calorimetry; emissions; environment; techniques.