Grass-fed cattle have high carbon emissions

Grass-fed cattle have greater greenhouse gas emissions than previously believed, according to a new study by Daniel Blaustein-Rejito of the Breakthrough Institute in the United States.

His results broadened the measurements beyond the farts and belches of the cattle to include the entire life cycle and consumption.

The study gathered information from 16 countries and concluded that cattle finished in feedlots on grain-based rations emitted 20 per cent less greenhouse gases.

However, when incorporating soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity cost, the total carbon footprint of pasture-finished operations was 42 per cent greater, higher, highlighting the impact of land use intensity, the study concluded.