Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential from Cattle Production

This study examines greenhouse gas sources and sinks in French cattle production at national, product (milk and meat), and farm levels. It quantifies enteric fermentation and manure management contributions, alongside carbon storage in soils, pastures, and hedges. Farm-level variability is analyzed to pinpoint emission hotspots and compensation potential. Two mitigation pathways are proposed: improving system efficiency to boost technical and economic performance, and implementing targeted GHG reduction techniques that may involve higher technical requirements and costs. Current actions and research perspectives are discussed, underscoring the need for further knowledge to consolidate mitigation levers and integrate other environmental objectives.