Reducing the carbon footprint of beef cattle in feedlot environments is a multifaceted challenge requiring a blend of improved management practices, technological innovations, and strategic breeding programs for beef cattle.

Enhancing the efficiency with which beef cattle convert feed into meat is crucial to reduce the amount of methane per kg of meat produced. Interventions with feed additives can result in significant improvements in feed efficiency of beef feedlot cattle. Trials^18,19,20,21 have shown that Selko LactiBute improves hindgut health, resulting in an improvement of feed efficiency and health (See Table 1).

The source of trace mineral that is being used to meet the dietary requirements for trace minerals of feedlot cattle can also have an impact on feed efficiency of beef cattle in feedlots. Feeding Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace mineral sources can improve both feed efficiency and average daily gain^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14}.

Genetic selection can play a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of beef cattle in feedlots¹⁵. Breeders can identify and propagate traits associated with better feed conversion rates. For instance, molecular breeding values (MBVs) can help in selecting cattle with enhanced feed efficiency and lower methane emissions^15,17.

Incorporating feed additives that reduce enteric fermentation can significantly cut down methane emissions from cattle. Research has shown that certain additives can significantly reduce methane emissions of beef feedlot cattle without negatively affecting animal health or productivity¹⁵. Additionally, using co-products from other industries, like dried distillers grains with solubles from ethanol production, can enhance feed sustainability by utilizing by-products that would otherwise be wasted¹⁶.

Effective manure management of beef cattle manure can significantly reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions from feedlots. Techniques include frequent waste removal, covering manure storage, and using anaerobic digesters to convert manure into biogas, which can be used to generate electricity. This not only reduces methane emissions from beef cattle feedlots but also offsets fossil fuel use^15,17. Furthermore, integrating manure from beef cattle back into the soil as fertilizer enhances soil health and sequesters carbon, further mitigating the overall environmental impact of feedlot operations for beef cattle¹⁷.

Feedlot operations for beef cattle can adopt renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power to meet their energy needs. This reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and lowers the carbon footprint of the entire beef cattle operation. Moreover, implementing energy-efficient technologies in feed processing and transportation can further contribute to sustainability efforts¹⁵. It has been shown that the carbon footprint of producing ingredients for beef cattle feed can be different for each ingredient. The carbon footprint for production of Selko IntelliBond is low compared to e.g. the carbon footprint of producing sulphate trace mineral sources (see Table 2).

Government policies and market incentives can accelerate the adoption of practices to reduce the carbon footprint of beef cattle feedlot operations. Subsidies for renewable energy installations, grants for research into low-emission technologies, and carbon credit markets that reward low-emission practices can make sustainable beef production economically viable for producers¹⁷.

Reducing the carbon footprint of beef cattle in feedlot environments requires a comprehensive approach involving improved feed efficiency, advanced manure management, genetic advancements, renewable energy adoption, and supportive policies. By integrating these strategies, the beef industry can make significant strides toward sustainability and reduced environmental impact of beef cattle in feedlot operations.