The Path to Net-Zero in Dairy Production: Are Pronounced Decreases in Enteric Methane Achievable?

Abstract

Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in dairy production will require >50% reduction in enteric methane (CH₄) emissions together with elimination of emissions from feed production, additional carbon sequestration, reduction in manure emissions, anaerobic digestion of manure, and decreased reliance on fossil fuel energy. Over past decades, improved production efficiency has reduced GHG intensity of milk production (i.e., emissions per unit of milk) in the United States, but this trend will continue only if cows are bred for increased efficiency. Genetic selection of low-CH₄-producing animals, diet reformulation, use of feed additives, and vaccination show tremendous potential for enteric CH₄ mitigation; however, few mitigation strategies are currently available, and added cost without increased revenue is a major barrier to implementation. Complete elimination of CH₄ emissions from dairying is likely not possible without negatively affecting milk production; thus, offsets and removals of other GHGs will be needed to achieve net-zero milk production.