A study found that beef operations keeping cattle on grass-based diets for their entire lives may have a higher carbon footprint compared to those that switch to grain-based diets.
Previous research has suggested that grass-finished beef operations emit more greenhouse gasses than grain-finished operations.
However, this study took into account additional factors such as soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity cost.
How it was tested
The researchers analyzed 100 beef operations in 16 countries and found that pasture-finished operations produced 20 percent more greenhouse gases.
When considering soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity cost, the total carbon footprint of pasture-finished operations was 42 percent higher, primarily due to their more intensive land usage.
Why it's important
The study emphasizes the importance of including carbon opportunity costs in climate mitigation efforts for beef production.
The findings could also help consumers make more informed choices, as pasture-finished beef is often considered more premium.
The researchers highlight that land use contributes significantly to beef's carbon footprint, even when considering potential carbon sequestration from grazing in grass-fed systems.
Previously, we talked about bird extinction.
