The Influence Feed Cost has on Changing Beef Cattle Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Genetic trends are presented for estimated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of young Angus animals at pasture and in the feedlot, and of Angus cows at pasture for a self-replacing, 100d-finished production system. GHG emissions are predicted to have increased over time, accompanying genetic gains in productivity traits and feed intake. The trends support the need for multiple trait selection that appropriately considers feed intake and the whole production chain. The results show the cost of feed used in the breeding objective impacts on the GHG emissions reductions that can be achieved with selection. Small reductions in GHG emissions can be achieved when feed is expensive, e.g. $130/t, and carbon is priced at $0/t. When feed is inexpensive GHG emissions increase and an $80/t carbon price is needed to make GHG emission changes negligible.