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The Impact of Beef Production on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the US and Potential Mitigation Strategies

Jinyi Zhou

Abstract


With the increasing global demand for meat, particularly in developing countries, the environmental challenges associated with
meat production have become more pressing. This paper explores the significant contribution of the livestock industry to greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, primarily focusing on methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted throughout various stages of meat
production. Notably, beef production emerges as the main contributor to GHG emissions, with over 80% of methane generated during the
digestion of ruminants. The study analyzes current practices in meat production, identifies major sources of emissions, and discusses potential
mitigation strategies. Solutions such as improving feed efficiency and adopting sustainable agricultural practices are examined. This research
aims to enhance the understanding of sustainable food production and propose actionable strategies to reduce the environmental impact of
meat production, particularly in the United States.

Keywords


Greenhouse gas emissions; Meat production; Beef production; Sustainable agriculture; Methane emissions; Environmental impact; Mitigation strategies; Livestock industry; Feed efficiency; Climate change

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References


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https://doi.org/10.1017/s0029665116000276




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/frim.v2i9.5235

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