Climate change mitigation initiatives in beef production systems in tropical countries
Iniciativas de mitigación al cambio climático en sistemas de producción de carne bovina en países tropicales
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Durango S, Gaviria X, González R, Sotelo Mauricio, Gutiérrez Jhon, Chirinda N, Arango J, Barahona R. 2017. Climate change mitigation initiatives in beef production systems in tropical countries. CCAFS Info Note. Wageningen, Netherlands: CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).
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Abstract/Description
Cattle production in tropical countries is based on the use of extensive grazing systems, which are inefficient systems and generate low levels of profitability. Cattle production, thus, has high emissions per unit of output.
Globally, beef from beef cattle systems emits more greenhouse gases per unit of output than any other agricultural product.
Particular mixes of grass and leguminous forage species can significantly reduce methane (CH4) emissions from manure patches and digestion.
Implementation of silvopastoral systems, restoring degraded pastures, and integration of improved pastures are promising mechanisms that can increase productivity and reduce for beef cattle production in Colombia. These actions could also be adopted as national mitigation actions.
Author ORCID identifiers
Ngonidzashe Chirinda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4213-6294
Jhon Freddy Gutierrez https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1352-464X
Jacobo Arango https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4828-9398