Milk carbon footprint of silvopastoral dairy systems in the Northern Peruvian Amazon.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate the carbon footprint (CF) of milk production (in kg of CO2 equivalents (CO2e) per kg of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM)) in dairy farms of the San Martín region, in the Peruvian Amazon. A cradle-to-farm gate characterization and analysis were carried out on eight representative dairy farms. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated using equations, following the 2019 refinement of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines. The results showed an average milk production of 9.7 ± 0.82 L milk/cow/day, Gyr x Holstein crosses as the predominant breed, use of cultivated grasses such as Brachiaria brizantha, living fences (Guazuma ulmifolia Lam) as the predominant silvopastoral arrangement, and low level of external inputs such as feed or grain additives. In relation to CF, an average value of 2.26 ± 0.49kg CO2e/kg FPCM was obtained, with enteric fermentation being the most important source (1.81 ± 0.51kg CO2e/kg FPCM), followed by manure management, land use, and energy/transport (0.26 ± 0.06, 0.14 ± 0.04, and 0.05 ± 0.04kg CO2e/kg FPCM, respectively). Differences were found between farmers, obtaining lower CF values (1.76 vs 3.09kg CO2e/kg FPCM) on farms with better feed quality, higher production levels, and a higher percentage of lactating animals compared to dry cows. It is concluded that dairy farms in the Peruvian Amazon region can reduce their emissions if they improve their current feeding practices.