July 23, 2007

Japanese study says beef production contributes to global warming

Japanese scientists have also joined on the increasing conclusion that beef production largely contributes to environment problems more than cars do.

A study commissioned by the National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science (NILGS) in Tsukuba, Japan, and published in the Animal Science Journal, reveals that producing 2.2 pounds of beef generates more carbon dioxide than an average car does every 160 miles. The study also said the main source of greenhouse gas emissions is the methane released by the animal's digestive system.

The study showed that producing 2.2 pounds of beef also consumed nearly 170 megajoules of energy which are spent most on producing and transporting cattle feed. The energy used is compared to a 100-watt light bulb left on for 20 days, the UK's New Scientist magazine reported.

NILGS however didn't account for emissions from farm equipment and transportation vehicles but based its study on several aspects of beef production, including calf production, animal management and production and transport of feed.

The study results have prompted NILGS to urge the beef industry to take steps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, including improving waste management and reducing by one month the interval between calving.