Assessment of Methane Emissions from Dairy Cattle Production in Selected Case Studies in Thailand

Abstract

Thailand’s agriculture sector both cultivation and livestock has played a vital role in driving economic growth. Globally, livestock production is estimated to contribute about 18% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Despite its importance, there is a relative lack of research on GHGs assessment in livestock sector in Thailand. The aim of this research was to estimate GHGs emissions from dairy cattle production in selected farm cases in Saraburi and Ratchaburi provinces of Thailand. The 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories was applied in this research. Methane (CH4) emissions from the enteric fermentation and manure management from dairy cattle farms in Saraburi and Ratchaburi are in the range of 2.73 – kg 15.67 kg CO2 eq. Methane emission from enteric fermentation was higher than those from manure management. Therefore, it is necessary for farm managers and related stakeholders to properly manage and focus on the feedstuffs and herd managements including genetic systems and farms to lower methane emissions.