Researchers in Scotland are looking into more effective ways to monitor greenhouse gas emissions in grazing cattle.
The study, which will be led by scientists at Scotland’s Rural College, aims to develop and adapt technology to monitor methane production in outdoor cattle.
The institution has carried out extensive studies into the emissions produced by cattle housed indoors, but restrictions in technology mean there is relatively little data on the amount of methane produced by animals being reared outside.
After receiving £250,000 of funding from DEFRA as part of a collaborative research project with European partners, SRUC has teamed up with the University of Strathclyde to develop and adapt existing precision livestock farming technology to mitigate and monitor methane production.
This includes animal-mounted activity sensors and systems for monitoring location, feeding behaviour and weight, to use with cattle outdoors.
Around 90% of Scotland’s cattle are outdoors for significant parts of the year, and it is hoped the GrASTech project will ultimately identify the best options for managing grassland and grazing animals to reduce methane emissions.
Methane emitted from livestock is estimated to be responsible for around 5% of UK total greenhouse gas emissions and the UK Government is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
The GrASTech project will face a number of key technical challenges, including the miniaturising of equipment, battery technology to permit long lifetime measurement periods, data transmission and capture for remote grazing environments.
Farming Minister George Eustice said: “Researchers in the UK are at the forefront of innovative solutions to tackle climate change and help us meet our world-leading target of net zero emissions by 2050.
“We are proud to be sponsoring this work by Scotland’s Rural College, which will bring forward new technologies to support farmers across all four corners of the UK rise to the challenge.”
Benefits
Prof. Richard Dewhurst from SRUC said: “One of the key approaches for reducing methane emissions is to increase the health, fertility and longevity of animals.
“By adapting technologies used to monitor and manage these things for housed cattle, we expect to deliver similar benefits for grazing cattle.”
Prof. Craig Michie from the University of Strathclyde added: “Creating a battery-powered methane sensing unit with the required performance for grazing cattle builds on our expertise both in advanced optical sensors for hostile environments and the pioneering innovation of neck-mounted collars that identify key conditions of individual animals. “
The project is due to run until September 2021.
