By Harinder Makkar, FAO, Rome

Direct link exists between greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensities (emissions as CO2 equivalent per unit of product) and the efficiency with which natural resources are used. Therefore, to a large extent possible interventions to reduce emissions hinges on technologies and practices that improve production efficiency at animal and herd levels.

While mitigation interventions will need to be tailored to local objectives and conditions, currently available mitigation options are presented below.

By Harinder Makkar, FAO, Rome

Globally, the production, processing and transport of feed account for about 45% of the green house gas (GHG) emission from livestock sector. At a species level, feed production constitutes 47% and 57% of emissions from pork and chicken supply chains, respectively. For cattle, small ruminants and buffalo, feed production contributes 36%, 36% and 28% of the total emissions respectively. For ruminants these values are relatively smaller because enteric methane comprises the dominant fraction of total emissions.

By Harinder Makkar, FAO, Rome

In 2011/12, of the total cereal production (2354.2 million tonnes), 33.7% were used for feed and 45.3% for food.

For 2012/13 the estimated values are: total production 2309.8 million tonnes; feed use 34.4% and food use 46.9%.

In 2011/12, of the total wheat production (701.5 million tonnes), 20.9% were used for feed and 67.2% for food.

For 2012/13 the estimated values are: total production 659.1 million tonnes; feed use  20.2% and food use 72.0% .

FAO-APHCA (Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific) and AGA (Animal Production and Health Division of FAO) are pleased to announce an E-conference on "Role of Agro-Industrial and Forestry By-Products in the Feeding of Dairy Animals in Asia and Other Tropical Regions" from November 11, 2013 to December 10, 2013. The e-conference will be held under the auspices of Asia Dairy Network and will be moderated by Dr. John Moran, Coordinator, Asia Dairy Network.