The carbon footprint of young-beef cattle finishing systems in the Eastern Plains of the Orinoco River Basin of Colombia

Introduction Previous research has shown increased productivity amongst sown grass pastures compared to native savanna by year-round grazing for fattening of adult and young Brahman ( Bos indicus )-bred cattle in the well-drained ecosystem Colombian Orinoquía. But there is limited information on carbon footprint (CF) commercial young-Brahman heifers steers reared throughout life well-managed Brachiaria decumbens Stapf pastures. Methods The present study characterized growth, lifetime enteric methane (CH 4 ) emissions, carcass dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -eq) CH efficiency intensities (i.e., emissions per kg product), estimated overall CF B. subject a range daily liveweight gains (DLWGs; 0.428 – 0.516 kg) framework (405 574 kg). Weaning data from seven consecutive calving seasons breeding herd continuously grazed were integrated with Microsoft Excel ® dynamic greenhouse gas emission (GHGE) simulation stockers-yearlings, fattening, processing scenarios. Results model predicted that low high DLWGs (0.428 vs (0.516 may be successfully fattened without supplementation assuming animals had access pasture. Depending strategy, CO -eq /kg edible protein values ranged 66.843 87.488 ± 0.497 69.689 91.291 0.446 steers. Discussion Assuming forage offer at least 1,500-2,000 dry matter/ha during rainy season, all simulated systems showed potential C neutrality net-zero when considering GHGEs soil, pasture, animal components soil capture over seasons. However, under more optimistic scenario, these beef could accomplish substantial net C, period which field are available. Overall, this projects positive impact design plausible strategies grasslands improving reducing concomitant increases technical efficiency.