Farming plays an essential role in fostering food security in both developed and developing countries. Livestock in particular, is essential in providing food and nutrition in the growing world population. Rearing of cows, goats and sheep is a common practice in the world.

Livestock production is associated with the release of greenhouse gases, especially methane gas. Methane is produced in the rumen digestive systems. Scientifically ruminants such as cattle have four stomachs namely rumen reticulum, omasum and abomasum. These animals also commonly chew the cud.

With respect to contributions from the agricultural sector, livestock production is the leading contributor to climate change.

Managing farmyard manure and slurry is a key step in ensuring that emissions are reduced. Innovative feed options are also crucial in fighting climate change. Feed manufacturers are already formulating combinations which develop less emissions.

Some farmers are also implementing monogastric production, mainly focusing on poultry and pigs in order to minimise the effects of enteric fermentation caused by animals such as cows.

In the livestock sector, cattle rearing for meat and milk purposes accounts for 44% of emissions emanating from the livestock sector.

Some leading international companies such as Mootral have developed environmentally friendly feed options for livestock. Mootral is a British Swiss company which develops natural feeds for the benefit of farmers to ensure that their livestock emits less emissions into the environment.

Source: FAO, 2021

Emissions by species show that cattle have the highest impact on the environment through a higher generation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions. The choices that farmers make and the combinations of livestock and poultry as well as maintaining sustainable herds is critical in the fight against climate change.

Picture: Editor-in-Chief Green Business Gazette (GBG) Tawanda Collins Muzamwese, meets a representative of Mootral in Barcelona, Spain

The Editor-in-Chief of the Green Business Gazette attended an international summit in Barcelona. Spain in which he met representatives from Mootral and received an update on the work being done to develop innovative feeds with minimal impacts on the environment.

Author

  • Tawanda Muzamwese

    Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including: 1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency 2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field 3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems 4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series 5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship. His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives. A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.

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