Methane and effects on Irish agriculture

Methane Emissions 

Methane (CH4) is a colourless, odourless gas occurring abundantly in nature and as a product of certain human activities. Globally, it is the second most important greenhouse gas (GHG). Its contribution to global warming is estimated at 27 times that of carbon dioxide, over a 100 year period. Once produced, methane persists in the atmosphere for around 9-12 years after which it is eventually broken down into carbon dioxide and water. 

 Methane is produced during enteric fermentation, a digestive process in the rumen microbiome. 

Effects on agriculture:

Agriculture is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Ireland, accounting for roughly 37% of the total, with methane (responsible for about 70% of those agricultural emissions. This methane primarily comes from enteric fermentation (belching) in ruminant livestock (cattle and sheep) and slurry management. Ireland has committed to reducing agricultural emissions by 25% by 2030, targeting a 30% reduction in methane 

A 500kg beef animal on a high concentrate diet produces 230 g methane per day and a 550kg dairy cow grazing on pasture emits about 320-330 grams of methane per day.