A life cycle assessment of the environmental impacts of cattle feedlot finishing rations

Abstract Purpose A life cycle assessment was performed for the production of a total mixed ration (TMR) fed to finishing feedlot cattle in California, USA. The goal determine climate change impact feed supply chain associated with 1 kg TMR (kg CO 2 e/kg TMR). secondary compare versus finished beef live weight). Methods based on feeds commonly California. Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance Partnership (LEAP) guidelines were followed inventory data collection. System boundaries included crops additives, transportation components, compound production. Data sourced from national databases Ecoinvent™ unit process data. Three scenarios assessed as result allocation at step: Scenario (100% empty return load); B (50% load): C (0% load). Energy, mass, economic allocation, system expansion dried distillers grain solubles (DDGS) sensitivity analysis. Total emission Stackhouse-Lawson et al. (2012) used impacts Results emissions determined be 0.630 A, 0.576 B, 0.521 C. Corn production, transportation, liquid premix primary contributors Mass-based DDGS found have most significant effect overall TMR, 42% increase compared other methods. For Angus contributed 76% emissions. Additionally, Holstein 58% Conclusions recommendations present study demonstrates need better assess order accurately identify areas that This may aid minimizing and, by extension, also serve inform future decisions improvements or alterations LEAP guidelines.