Environmental impact assessment of beef cattle production in semi-intensive systems in Paraguay

Beef production has notable environmental implications on a global scale. Paraguayan beef cattle farming is characterized by being developed mostly in pastures or grasslands, but recently the practice of finishing confined to feedlots thrived. In this context, aim study was understand performance semi-intensive farm which involved its system both pasture and feedlot stage. A Life Cycle Assessment carried out with “cradle-to-farm gate” perspective 1 kg Live Weight as functional unit. Primary data referring cropping livestock systems’ inputs outputs were collected site wide range impact categories evaluated. proved be responsible for intensive greenhouse gas emissions (22.0 ± 3.9 CO2 eq ? LW?1), especially when it occurs predominantly pasture. The breeding phase one that weighs most warming potential within rearing cycle. Since animals are present stage, contributed highly influenced animal-related emissions. despite limited duration respect overall cycle, significantly related non-methane volatile organic compounds emissions, toxicity, land occupation fuel consumption, because feed (both on- off-farm). Moreover, stage takes greater load considering impacts use changes consumption purchased feed, even though short reduces relative variation given inclusion. Some possible mitigation solutions identified discussion, further required into topic exploration different scenarios.