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 Journal of Animal Science, 2020, 1–1

doi:10.1093/jas/skaa017
Advance Access publication January 31, 2020
Infographic

Infographic: Improved performance in the US Dairy Cattle

Industry on Environmental Impacts

Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/98/1/skaa017/5719369 by guest on 29 April 2020

Livestock production has been scrutinized as a major
contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and
environmental damage. Recent evidence, however, indicates
that managed livestock production may reduce GHG while
serving as a vital dietary source of macro and micronutrients
for people (Varijakshapanicker et al., 2019). Further gains in
sustainable production systems may be achieved through
the strategic use of genetics (Jonker et al, 2019), and/or feed
supplements (Aboagye et al., 2019).
A recent paper by Capper and Cady (2019) provides an
update on efficiency gains found within the dairy industry.
Reductions in feedstuffs, fossil fuels and water are
associated with lower nitrogen and phosphorus excretion
and GHG emissions. Calculation of yield per unit of GHG
results in a 25% increase in milk production supporting
both a gain in efficiency while reducing environmental
impacts.
References
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methane emission and nitrogen excretion in beef cattle fed a
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Capper,  J.  L., and R.  A.  Cady. 2019. The effects of improved
performance in the U.S. dairy cattle industry on environmental
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