A Comparative Analysis of Carbon Footprint in the Andalusian Autochthonous Dairy Goat Production Systems

Abstract

The small ruminant livestock sector faces the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Carbon footprint (CF) studies on dairy goats, the most widely used indicator to quantify the impact of livestock farming on global warming, are still few. The aim of this study was to calculate the CF of the different production systems of autochthonous dairy goat breeds presently occurring in Andalusia (S Spain) and identify systems and practices that can minimize their environmental impact in these terms. Twenty-one farms were monitored during a year, obtaining valuable information that allowed the CF calculation on a “cradle-to-gate” approach, taking into account both GHG emissions at the farm level and carbon sink by vegetation associated with land-based systems. Results showed similar CF values for the analyzed systems (1.42, 1.04, 1.15, and 1.17 kg CO2-eq kg−1 fat–protein corrected milk for indoor systems without associated crops, indoor systems with associated crops, grazing systems with high feed supply, and pastoral systems, respectively). To minimize their environmental impact, specific actions must be developed for each system, particularly regarding genetic improvement, reproductive and feeding management, including pasture management, and the integration of livestock activity into the bio-circular economy with the help of professional advice.

Energetic and Monetary Analysis of Efficiency in Family-Owned Dairy Goat Production Systems in Andalusia (Southern Spain)

“…First, it decreases the direct GHG emissions in pastoral farms by reducing dependence on concentrates and oil and gas derivatives in all processes. This is especially true when carbon sequestration [ 38 , 40 ] and/or the introduction of organic livestock management practices [ 39 ] are considered. On the other hand, it cuts down the use of products that, in a geostrategic context such as the current one, may become more scarce or difficult to access, such as fertilizers or others.…”

“…In the case of dairy goat rearing, the literature has mainly focused on calculating and analyzing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) through the sector’s carbon footprint [ 17 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. From the point of view of sustainability, some works have shown how organic production can reduce the GHG emissions of the industry [ 39 ], especially if carbon sink is taken into consideration [ 40 , 41 ], while other studies have researched the potential of reducing the emissions associated with grazing [ 42 ].…”