Methane production and theoretical consumption in UK livestock production: is a realistic balance possible?

Abstract

Context abstract: Methane is an important greenhouse gas. Livestock production constitutes a large part of total UK methane emission. By comparing livestock derived methane production with three theoretical sinks, the possibility of balancing methane production with direct consumption is assessed.

Ruminant livestock production contributes up to 40% of methane emission in the UK. With the increasing environmental and economic costs of greenhouse gas release, ways in which emission can be balanced with consumption must be explored. Three hypothetical sinks for ruminant livestock derived methane were examined. Only one sink appeared at all practicable in the context of modern farming. Under optimal conditions, high capacity methane oxidation in soil could conceivably reduce methane emissions where high concentrations of methane (>1%) were consistently supplied.