Dairy Cows and Greenhouse Gases (P3)

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to dairy cows and their impact on greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse Gas

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Methane (CH4)

A greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide and primarily produced by dairy cows during digestion.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere for centuries, contributing to climate change.

Enteric Fermentation

A digestive process in cows that produces methane as a by-product and accounts for about 27% of US methane emissions.

Dairy Cattle Lifespan

Typically around 6 years in the dairy industry, during which they can produce significant amounts of methane.

Global Dairy Cows

Approximately 270 million dairy cows globally are responsible for methane production and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs)

Regulatory plans required by state law for dairy farms to determine appropriate nutrient applications to the land.

High-Fiber Diets

Animal diets that contribute to methane release, prompting research for alternatives like feeding seaweed to reduce emissions.

Ruminant Livestock

Livestock like cows that primarily produce methane emissions, accounting for a significant percentage of global greenhouse gases.

Dairy Industry Emissions

Emissions from milk processing that account for over 70% of all greenhouse gas emissions associated with dairy.

Cattle Grazing Impact

Proper grazing techniques can reduce land use and potentially sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide by 2050.

Liquid vs. Dry Manure Management

Liquid systems promote methane production, while dry systems may contribute to increasing nitrous oxide levels.

What are greenhouse gases?

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas that is __ times more potent than carbon dioxide and primarily produced by dairy cows during digestion.

28

Describe Carbon Dioxide (CO2)'s role in climate change.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere for centuries, contributing significantly to climate change.

What is enteric fermentation and its significance for US methane emissions?

Enteric fermentation is a digestive process in cows that produces methane as a by-product and accounts for about 27% of US methane emissions.

What is the typical lifespan of dairy cattle in the dairy industry?

Dairy cattle typically have a lifespan of around 6 years in the dairy industry.

Approximately __ million dairy cows globally are responsible for methane production and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

270

What are Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs)?

Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs) are regulatory plans required by state law for dairy farms to determine appropriate nutrient applications to the land.

Why are high-fiber diets for animals a concern regarding methane emissions?

High-fiber diets contribute to methane release, prompting research for alternatives like feeding seaweed to reduce emissions.

Ruminant livestock, like cows, primarily produce __ emissions, accounting for a significant percentage of global greenhouse gases.

methane

What percentage of all greenhouse gas emissions associated with dairy comes from milk processing?

Emissions from milk processing account for over 70% of all greenhouse gas emissions associated with dairy.

How can proper cattle grazing techniques impact carbon sequestration?

Proper grazing techniques can reduce land use and potentially sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide by 2050.

Compare the methane and nitrous oxide production in liquid versus dry manure management systems.

Liquid manure management systems promote methane production, while dry systems may contribute to increasing nitrous oxide levels.