A group of researchers from the Center for Research and Agro-environmental and Biological Technologies (CITAB) of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) is developing solutions to reduce the environmental impacts caused by cow waste.
These animals, according to a study by the Worldwatch Institute, are responsible for the emission of 51% of all greenhouse gases (GHG), and are at the origin of climate change, such as the increase in temperature.
"Using the techniques we have optimized allows for a reduction of up to 50% in GHG emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane, and almost 100% in the emission of other harmful gases, such as ammonia", explains the CITAB researcher Henry Trinity.
The team is treating slurry (animal waste mixed with water) through processes of separation of solid and liquid fractions and using chemical and biological additives that allow the reduction of gases.
"Bovines are responsible for the emission of GHG at two different times, inside the animal: during the digestive process and during the transformation of the effluents [waste] produced." Each of these stages corresponds, “in intensive production systems, respectively, to about 60% and 40% of the total methane gas emissions”, reveals the also professor at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro.
The treatment process “is relatively cheap and economically viable”, according to Henrique Trindade, but will require the training of producers to optimize the results. Therefore, the ReUseWaste project, which encompasses eight research and teaching units and eight companies from seven European countries, provides for training and clarification sessions.
In addition, the CITAB group is already carrying out similar studies in the area of pig farming and will advance this year with an identical project with birds.
Cowspiracy and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Cows
According to Henrique Trindade, a cow emits, on average, 115 kilos of methane gas per year, which is equivalent to almost 3 kilos of carbon dioxide, “because, considering the greenhouse effect in a 100-year interval, one kilo of gas methane equals 25 kilos of carbon dioxide. This is one of the main contributions of these animals and other ruminants to climate change.”
However, and despite the documentary Cowspiracy, recently shown in Portugal, which points to animal production as the number one cause of GHG emissions and other environmental problems, the CITAB researcher highlights the importance of livestock.
"Animals play an important role in the balance of agricultural ecosystems, economic stability and help to value many plant resources, such as grass, which are not suitable for direct use in human food."
In addition, the animal sector makes it possible to obtain raw materials and essential products such as hides, wool and organic fertilizers (manure).
Image subtitle: Static chambers used in measuring greenhouse gases emitted by soil treated with slurry
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