EMISSION OF GREENHOUSE GASES AND SUSTAINABILITY: A PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF BEEF PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN BRAZIL

Abstract

The greenhouse gases emission (GHG) is a common subject debated today. Countries with reduction targets on greenhouse gas emissions have developed studies to understand the processes and reduce emissions. Deforestation and cattle make Brazil one of the largest emitters of GHG. Among the main products of Brazilian agriculture is beef cattle, handled mainly in the extensive system, where animals are slaughtered at an average of three to four years and receive little or no pasture tract culture. Another system in use in Brazil is the semi-extensive, where cattle finishing phase is under feedlot under a diet especially designed for fattening. Quantification and monitoring of GHG emissions in agricultural systems allow the assessment of the impact on the environment. This review will discuss the main sources of GHG emissions in livestock and guidelines necessary to evaluate the research of alternative sustainable beef production systems.