Beef cattle production and quantification of carbon emissions: an analysis in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Abstract

This paper analyzes the socioeconomic and environmental impacts caused by an extensive beef cattle production system. A case study was conducted in Estância do 28, owned by Fundação Maronna and located in Área de Proteção Ambiental do Ibirapuitã, in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. IPCC software was the main methodology used to analyze and quantify carbon emissions from the system. Data collected in Estância do 28 during the years 2010, 2011, and 2012, were analyzed to assess the environmental impacts of full cycle meat production on the farm. The emissions considered are derived from enteric fermentation in the cattle, land use changes and animal organic wastes. Analysis of the data revealed that emissions from this beef cattle operation fall within the limits found in other studies.