{"id":9819,"date":"2026-04-10T15:59:49","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:59:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/?p=9819"},"modified":"2026-04-10T15:59:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:59:57","slug":"livestock-emissions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/livestock-emissions\/","title":{"rendered":"From Estimates to Reality: How Measuring Barn Environments Changes Livestock Emissions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Guest post by Fabiana Surace, CMO and Environmental Scientist at Cynomys<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction: Beyond Numbers, Into Reality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When discussing livestock emissions, the debate often focuses on global figures: percentages, tons of CO\u2082 equivalents, and comparisons between species.<br>But how accurately do these numbers reflect what actually happens inside barns every day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And more importantly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How measurable, controllable, and useful are these figures for farmers?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To answer these questions, it is useful to start from two of the most widely referenced frameworks: the FAO report <em>Tackling Climate Change through Livestock<\/em> and the IPCC guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Emissions from cattle farming, in particular, are increasingly central to the sustainability of the livestock sector. However, a significant gap still exists between theoretical data and real on-farm conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding how emissions are generated\u2014and, crucially, how they can be measured through <strong>continuous environmental monitoring<\/strong>\u2014is key to improving <strong>animal welfare<\/strong> and making livestock production more sustainable and competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Livestock Emissions: Distribution by Species<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the FAO, livestock accounts for approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Estimates vary depending on methodology (LCA vs. direct emissions).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within this share:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cattle contribute around 65%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pigs about 9%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poultry about 8%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sheep and goats about 6%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These figures are often simplified, but they mask a more complex reality: emissions differ in both origin and mitigation potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In cattle systems, the largest share is linked to enteric fermentation and overall farm management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dairy Cattle: Environment, Emissions, and Productivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In dairy systems, emissions are influenced by both biological and environmental factors. Methane from enteric fermentation is a physiological process, affected by nutrition, health status, and environmental conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the <strong>barn environment<\/strong> plays a critical role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Air quality, temperature, and humidity directly affect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Feed intake<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Metabolism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feed efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Milk production<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Heat stress or the accumulation of gases such as <strong>ammonia, CO\u2082, and methane<\/strong> can reduce productivity while increasing emissions per unit of output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The result?<br><strong>Higher emissions per liter of milk produced.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pigs and Poultry: The Role of Environmental Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In pig and poultry systems, emissions mainly derive from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Manure management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feed production<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Energy consumption<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In these systems, the concentration of <strong>barn gases<\/strong> like ammonia and CO\u2082 is a direct indicator of management efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Poor environmental control leads to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher emissions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced animal welfare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower productivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased risk of respiratory issues and heat stress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emissions as a Sign of Inefficiency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Emissions are not just an environmental issue\u2014they also signal inefficiencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As highlighted by the FAO, methane, nitrous oxide, and ammonia represent losses of energy and nutrients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On a farm, this translates into:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lower feed conversion efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced productivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher environmental impact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Improving system efficiency therefore addresses both sustainability and economic performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In simple terms:<br>Energy that does not become milk, meat, or eggs\u2014and nitrogen not utilized by the animal\u2014are resources lost to the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This shifts the perspective:<br><strong>Reducing emissions is not only an environmental goal, but also a management and economic opportunity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Critical Point: How Are Emissions Measured?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here lies a key gap between science and farm reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Emissions are typically estimated using models developed by international organizations such as the IPCC and FAO. These estimates rely on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mathematical models<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Literature averages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Controlled experimental conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While essential for comparability across countries, these approaches are not designed to capture farm-level variability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Highly accurate tools\u2014such as metabolic chambers or SF\u2086 tracer techniques\u2014are mostly confined to experimental settings and are difficult to apply at scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, a gap emerges between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Scientific data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real farm conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Many estimates fail to reflect the true variability of livestock operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Models to Barns: The Value of Continuous Environmental Monitoring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Continuous environmental monitoring<\/strong> is emerging as a practical solution to bridge this gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than relying solely on models, this approach focuses on directly measuring the environment where animals live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using multi-sensor systems in barns, it is now possible to monitor in real time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ammonia (NH\u2083)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carbon dioxide (CO\u2082)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ambient methane (CH\u2084)*<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temperature and humidity (THI)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Light levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Data accuracy depends on proper sensor placement, calibration, and barn ventilation conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These data enable farmers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Optimize ventilation management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prevent critical situations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve production efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhance animal welfare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce emissions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Ambient methane reflects both enteric and manure-related emissions but cannot be attributed to individual animals. It remains a valuable operational indicator for barn management.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Environmental Data and Farm Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These measurements do not replace models\u2014they complement them by bringing data closer to reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For farmers, the true value lies in practical application: knowing <strong>when and how to act<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This may include adjusting ventilation, improving manure handling, or managing microclimatic conditions to prevent health issues and improve performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continuous monitoring enables:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Data-driven decision-making<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved productivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced costs linked to environmental inefficiencies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A dataset becomes valuable when it is continuous, readable, and actionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, environmental monitoring enhances traceability across the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical Example: From Data to Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In a dairy barn, an increase in ammonia (NH\u2083) concentration may indicate insufficient ventilation or suboptimal manure management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Timely intervention\u2014such as increasing ventilation or improving manure handling\u2014can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improve air quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce respiratory stress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase feed intake<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boost productivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The outcome is lower emissions per liter of milk, achieved through better environmental management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transparency, Trust, and Consumer Perception<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Livestock emissions are often perceived in a simplified and polarized way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In reality:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not all emissions are equal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not all farms have the same impact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Significant improvement opportunities exist<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Access to real, contextualized data enables more transparent communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For dairy supply chains\u2014especially those linked to PDO products\u2014this represents a strategic advantage to highlight:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sustainability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Animal welfare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Product quality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These elements are closely interconnected and increasingly relevant to consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: From Estimation to Measurement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Livestock emissions cannot be fully understood through theoretical models alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The complexity of farming systems requires tools capable of describing real conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Continuous environmental monitoring<\/strong> transforms data into operational knowledge, improving farm management and supporting a more sustainable approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Measuring, analyzing, and acting are now the foundation of a more efficient, competitive, and responsible livestock system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Monitoring itself does not directly reduce emissions\u2014but it enables targeted interventions on the factors that generate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The real paradigm shift is not just reducing emissions, but <strong>measuring them better<\/strong>\u2014moving from averages to real, contextualized data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This leads to better decisions on farm, more credible certifications, and greater trust across the entire supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0959652625018049\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Journal of Cleaner Production (2025). Precision livestock farming for climate-resilient livestock management.<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2615\/14\/3\/435\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>MDPI Animals (2024). Advances in Methane Emission Estimation in Livestock.<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/sustainable-food-systems\/articles\/10.3389\/fsufs.2024.1414858\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Frontiers (2024). Adoption of precision livestock farming technologies has potential to reduce GHG emissions.<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipcc-nggip.iges.or.jp\/public\/2019rf\/pdf\/0_Overview\/19R_V0_01_Overview.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">*IPCC (2019). 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories<\/a>.*<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.notion.so\/Eventi-fiere-https-www-worldagritechmexico-com-225357f0cee68022b150fb5977364034?pvs=21\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>IPCC (2019). Chapter 10: Emissions from Livestock and Manure Management.<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fao.org\/family-farming\/detail\/en\/c\/1634679\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>FAO (2017) \u2013 Livestock &amp; Climate Change (overview aggiornata)<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fao.org\/3\/i3437e\/i3437e.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>FAO (2013). Tackling Climate Change through Livestock: A Global Assessment of Emissions and Mitigation Opportunities.<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2615\/2\/2\/160\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Storm, I. M. L. D., et al. (2012). Methods for measuring and estimating methane emission from ruminants. Animals<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.journalofdairyscience.org\/article\/S0022-0302(12)00291-3\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Garnsworthy, P. C., et al. (2012). On-farm methane measurements during milking\u2026. Journal of Dairy Science.<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.notion.so\/Eventi-fiere-https-www-worldagritechmexico-com-225357f0cee68022b150fb5977364034?pvs=21\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>IPCC (2006). 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Guest post by Fabiana Surace, CMO and Environmental Scientist at Cynomys Introduction: Beyond Numbers, Into Reality When discussing livestock emissions, the debate often focuses on global figures: percentages, tons of CO\u2082 equivalents, and comparisons between species.But how accurately do these numbers reflect what actually happens inside barns every day? And more importantly: How measurable, controllable, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9817,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[95,93],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9819","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environmental-sustainability","category-guest-post-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9819","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9819"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9819\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9820,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9819\/revisions\/9820"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9817"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9819"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9819"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cynomys.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9819"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}