Intensive Animal Production Systems Research Articles

Antimicrobial Resistance in Rural Settings in Latin America: A Scoping Review with a One Health Lens.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in rural Latin America is not fully understood. The transmission pathways are partially known since research predominantly focuses on the urban hospital setting. The contribution to AMR from environmental factors is usually only mentioned in large-scale animal production. To understand the state of the literature on AMR in rural LA, we carried out a scoping review using the One Health (OH) perspective. OH recognises the concomitant contributions and interconnectedness of humans, animal, and the environment, thus, we used the OH perspective to select those articles adopting a holistic view of the problem. We searched original articles in English, Spanish, and Portuguese in four peer-reviewed databases and included 21 publications in the analysis. We charted data on bibliometrics, design, data collection sources, and instruments. We identified the human, animal, and environmental contributions to AMR in rural locations, and information gaps on AMR transmission routes and AMR drivers. Intensive and non-intensive animal production systems and agricultural practices were the most frequently found human contributions to AMR. Poultry, swine, cattle, and fish were the most frequent livestock mentioned as sources of AMR bacteria. Animal carriage and/or transfer of AMR determinants or bacteria was recognised as the primary contribution of livestock to the problem, while water, soil, and farming were predominant environmental contributions. We found that only 1 article out of 21 considered the OH approach as a framework for their sampling scheme, whereas 5 out 21 discussed all the three OH components. There were hardly any descriptions of humans or human waste as reservoirs for AMR in rural locations, and rural health centres or hospitals and wildlife were not represented. No studies identified mining as an anthropogenic activity driving AMR. More OH-oriented studies, with emphasis on molecular approaches—for identification and comparison of AMR genes—are sorely needed to understand better the existence of a network of interconnected transmission routes in rural Latin America and provide efficient strategies to prevent further AMR emergence.

Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks and Soil Quality in an Area Cultivated with Guinea Grass under the Residual Effect of Nitrogen Doses

This study examines the residual effect of nitrogen (N) doses on the carbon (C) and N stocks and on soil quality in an area cultivated with guinea grass. The pastures received three annual doses of N (100, 200 and 300 kg ha−1) from 2015 to 2017. In 2018, N fertilization was not applied so the residual effect of the nutrient could be characterized. Soil chemical attributes, C and N stocks, density and penetration resistance and root system characteristics were evaluated at different depths. No difference was observed between the N doses for soil density, which averaged 1.22 and 1.25 g cm−3 under and between the tussocks of guinea grass, respectively. Penetration resistance was affected by the N doses post-grazing, with the highest value (1.9 MPa) observed in pastures that received 300 kg ha−1 of N for three consecutive years. Root dry mass was not affected by the N doses. There was no effect of N doses on the average (19.7 mg ha−1) or total (134.3 mg ha−1) C stock in the soil. The total N stock did not change (11.3 mg ha−1) in response to the N doses; however, the average N stock was higher in the soil cultivated with guinea grass under the N dose of 300 kg ha−1 (1.7 mg ha−1). The N doses had little interference with the soil chemical and physical aspects. Regardless of the dose, high C and N stocks were observed in the soil cultivated with guinea grass. Therefore, when properly managed, intensive pasture-based animal production systems become important allies of the environment.

What is the productive potential of digit grass in response to nitrogen fertilization?

The digit grass is a highly cultivated species in Northeast Brazil, especially in Sergipe and Alagoas. However, research related to the management of fertilization of this specie is incipient. This experiment was carried out to examine the productive potential of digit grass and its morphological changes in response to nitrogen fertilization. The experimental period was from August 2014 to July 2015. Treatments consisted of five levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 50, 100, 300 and 600 kg ha-1) arranged in a randomized-block design with four replicates. Urea was used as a source of nitrogen. Height, light interception (LI), leaf area index (LAI), total tiller density (TTD), basal tiller density (BTD) and total (TDM), leaf (LDM) and stem dry matter (SDM) accumulations were influenced (P<0.05) by the nitrogen doses, fitting a positive quadratic equation. Nitrogen fertilization did not influence (P>0.05) dead material accumulation rate or aerial tiller density. Overall, the increasing nitrogen doses culminated in increased canopy height, LI and LAI as a result of the increase in TTD and BTD, which in turn elevated TDM, LDM and SDM. The herbage yield potential of digit grass can be increased with the application of 478 kg N ha-1, enabling its use as an alternative in intensive animal production systems.

The effects of improving low dietary protein utilization on the proteome of lamb tissues

Cistus ladanifer L. is a common shrub endemic to the Mediterranean region with high levels of condensed tannins (CT). CT form complexes with dietary protein resisting microbial degradation in the rumen, which enhances dietary protein utilization in ruminant diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utilization of CT in the diet of lambs on the proteomes of muscle, hepatic and adipose tissues.Twenty-four Merino Branco ram lambs were randomly allocated to three treatments (n = 8): C – control (160 g crude protein (CP)) per kg DM, RP – reduced protein (120 g CP/kg DM); and RPCT – reduced protein (120 g CP/kg DM) treated with CT extract. At the end of the trial, lambs were slaughtered and the longissimus lumborum muscle, hepatic and peri-renal adipose tissues sampled. A two-way approach was used for proteomic analysis: 2D-DIGE and nanoLC-MS.In the muscle, C lambs had lower abundance proteins that partake in the glycolysis pathway than the lambs of other treatments. Control lambs had lower abundance of Fe-carrying proteins in the hepatic tissue than RP and RPCT lambs. The latter lambs had highest abundance of hepatic flavin reductase. In the adipose tissue, C lambs had lowest abundance of fatty-acid synthase. Significancesoybean meal is an expensive feedstuff in which intensive animal production systems heavily rely on. It is a source of protein extensively degraded in the rumen, leading to efficiency losses on dietary protein utilization during digestion. Protection of dietary protein from extensive ruminal degradation throughout the use of plants or extracts rich in CT allow an increase in the digestive utilization of feed proteins. In addition to enhance the protein digestive utilization, dietary CT may induce other beneficial effects in ruminants such as the improvement of the antioxidant status.

5 Precision animal welfare for pigs

Abstract Precision animal management (PAM), was a term created by engineers to describe technologies that improve the sustainability of intensive animal production systems. Focused efforts include improving product-efficiency and environmental impact (e.g. robotics in milk production). These PAM technologies have been incorporated in intensive swine production systems (e.g. feeding systems, waste-management). There is a perception that animal welfare efforts reduce efficiency, thus reducing sustainability. This perception is challenged with the development and application of precision animal welfare (PAW) technologies. Examples include: 1) a response system to stimulate sows to stand when they are crushing piglets (Swineguard, Swine Tech, Cedar Rapids, IA); 2) a visual-based automatic tracking system to detect sickness and agonistic interactions at an per-animal level (Schmidt et al., University of Nebraska at Lincoln, NE), and; 3) environmental enrichment (EE) that simultaneously provides mental-stimulation to pigs and automatically collects data (Hulbert et al., K-State, Manhattan, KS). The first two technologies may be applied for improved efficiency, which may not motivate animal caretakers to adopt new housing strategies. Restricted space-allowance limits behavior-expression, and consequently, limits the amount and type of data that can be gained from the technologies. Therefore, more work is needed to apply these technologies on pigs in alternative housing systems (e.g. pens instead of farrowing stalls). Animal welfare improves with EE, but pigs can extinguish EE-use (i.e. boredom) or destroy EE-devices. Non-destructible, stimulating EE were tested on mini-boars. The automated data served a behavioral-biomarker for detecting subclinical injury biomedical research projects. This EE can be scaled-up for commercial pigs and has great potential for improving welfare of pigs in intensive systems while simultaneous providing semi real-time information to animal caretakers at an per-animal level. For swine production, early-adopters and investors are needed to help animal welfare researchers and engineers to transform technologies from PAM into PAW.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals from wastewater through a Typha latifolia and Thelypteris palustris phytoremediation system

Animal production is a source of heavy metals in livestock wastewater and also a key link in the food chain, with negative impacts on human and animal health. In intensive animal production systems, the most critical elements are zinc and copper. In order to development of innovative non-invasive strategies to reduce the environmental impact of livestock, this study assessed the ability of two plants, Typha latifolia and Thelypteris palustris, to bioaccumulate the heavy metals used in animal nutrition, from wastewater. Four mesocosms (width 2.0 m, length 2.0 m, 695 L of water, 210 kg of soil) were assembled outdoors at the Botanical Garden. Two of them were planted with T. latifolia (TL treated, n = 30; TL control, n = 30) and two with T. palustris (TP treated, n = 60; TP control, n = 60). In T0 a solution of a mineral additive premix (Zn 44.02 mg/L; Cu 8.63 mg/L) was dissolved in the treated mesocosms. At T0, d 15 (T1) and d 45 (T2) samples of roots, leaves, stems, soil and water were collected, dried, mineralized and analyzed using ICP-MS in order to obtain HMs content. We found that T. latifolia and T. palustris accumulate and translocate Zn, Cu from contaminated wastewater into plant tissues in a way that is directly related to the exposure time (T2 for Zn: 271.64 ± 17.70, 409.26 ± 17.70 for Cu: 47.54 ± 3.56, 105.58 ± 3.56 mg/kg of DM, respectively). No visual toxicity signs were observed during the experimental period. This phytoremediation approach could be used as an eco-sustainable approach to counteract the output of heavy metals.

Are views towards egg farming associated with Brazilian and Chilean egg consumers' purchasing habits?

In many industrialised countries, public rejection of intensive animal production systems has led to the development of legislation and industry actions that have resulted in significant changes in animal care at the farm level. However, little is known about the views of citizens from emerging countries regarding animal production. The aims of this study were to explore the views of Brazilian and Chilean consumers towards egg farming, and to investigate if these views are associated with participants’ eggs purchasing habits and reported willingness to pay (WTP) more for eggs produced in the conditions they perceive as important. In an open question, participants (n = 716) were asked to describe an ideal egg production farm and explain their reasons. This was followed by closed questions asking egg purchasing habits, willingness to pay for eggs produced in the conditions they perceive as important and demographic information. Participants main concerns were with animal welfare, naturalness, hygiene, production, and ethical aspects, which many associated with improved health, sensory, and nutritional quality of the eggs. The views of participants towards an ideal egg production farm were associated, to some extent, with type of egg purchasing habits and WTP a premium for organic or free-range eggs. Our results suggest a demand for more natural, animal friendly egg production systems; furthermore, they indicate a disconnect between lay citizens’ expectations and industry practices, given that intensive confined systems typically fail to supply many of the expected characteristics.

Change it or perish? Drug resistance and the dynamics of livestock farm practices

Farm practices related to drug use in animal agriculture play an important role in the development of drug resistance. In this paper, I use Bourdieu's theory of practice to explore the field of deworming and how the use of deworming medications, also called anthelmintics, by farmers may be a pragmatic choice within the habitus of livestock farming. Drawing on 42 in-depth interviews with livestock farmers across England I show how farmers prioritise farm productivity and animal health and welfare to the detriment of an adequate use of anthelmintics, which may lead to an increase in drug resistance. I also discuss some of the particularities regarding the engagement between farmers, veterinarians and the industry, and how expert advice is commonly limited to one-way flow of information. As a strategy to address drug resistance in livestock, mainstream policy approaches to drug management in the farm have prioritised the development and dissemination of technical guidelines. However, these guidelines are usually disconnected from the farming context, do not take into account the complexity and challenges of farm everyday practices and are eventually rejected by farmers. Although there has been increased interest from the social sciences in studying the intersection between drug resistance and farmers' perceptions and behaviour, there is still a need for unpacking the often hidden dynamics and logics of farm practices, understanding how they shape animal health management and, more specifically, drug use. I argue that farm practices related to drug use are situated within a larger context of intensive animal production systems, which themselves contribute to the emergence of animal diseases, the medicalisation of animal production and drug resistance.

Estimation of genetic parameters and selection of elephant-grass ( Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) for forage production using mixed models

The efficient use of fodder and grassland as the basis of animal feed represents a way of raising productivity and reducing production costs. In this scenario, elephant-grass stands out among the most used forages in the intensive animal production systems in the world mainly due to its high productive potential, support capacity and nutritional quality. The purpose of this work was to estimate genetic parameters for the selection of elephant-grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) clones for forage production in two seasons, a period of water restriction and the total period of study. We evaluated 80 accessions of elephant-grass by means of the mixed-models methodology (REML/BLUP). The evaluation of DM yield (DMY) of the different genotypes were executed in edaphoclimatic conditions in Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Selegen-REML/BLUP software accomplished the statistical and genetic analyses. It was seen that the DMY trait was with a low estimate of coefficient of genotypic variation (3.08%), which demonstrates possible difficulties with the selection for this trait. Heritability-coefficient estimate was 0.3606 for the dry season and 0.4193 for the total period. Those results were the variation in that trait due to genetic causes. Although those values may not be considered of high magnitude, they are of great interest for the breeding mainly because it is a polygenic trait. In both periods, genotypes 7, 25, 41, 43, 57, 58, 62, 64, 68, and 77 stood out among the others, since it presented the highest genetic gains for DMY, which will enhance progress in the evaluated trait.

Antimicrobial residues and resistance against critically important antimicrobials in non-typhoidal Salmonella from meat sold at wet markets and supermarkets in Vietnam

Excessive antimicrobial usage and deficiencies in hygiene in meat production systems may result in undesirable human health hazards, such as the presence of antimicrobial drug residues and non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS), including antimicrobial resistant (AMR) NTS. Recently, Vietnam has witnessed the emergence of integrated intensive animal production systems, coexisting with more traditional, locally-sourced wet markets. To date no systematic studies have been carried out to compare health hazards in beef, pork and chicken in different production systems. We aimed to: (1) estimate the prevalence of antimicrobial residues in beef, pork and chicken meat; (2) investigate the prevalence and levels of NTS contamination; and (3) investigate serovar distribution and AMR against critically important antimicrobials by animal species and type of retail (wet market vs. supermarket) in Vietnam. Fresh pork, beef and chicken meat samples (N=357) sourced from wet markets and supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Hanoi and Dong Thap were screened for antimicrobial residues by PremiTest, and were further investigated by Charm II. Samples from HCMC (N=113) were cultured using ISO 6579:2002/Amd 1:2007. NTS bacteria were quantified using a minimum probable number (MPN) technique. NTS isolates were assigned to serovar by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST), and were investigated for their phenotypic susceptibility against 32 antimicrobials. A total of 26 (7.3%) samples tested positive by PremiTest (9.5% beef, 4.1% pork and 8.4% chicken meat). Sulfonamides, tetracyclines and macrolides were detected by Charm in 3.1%, 2.8% and 2.0% samples, respectively. Overall, meat samples from wet markets had a higher prevalence of residues than those from supermarkets (9.6% vs. 2.6%) (p=0.016). NTS were isolated from 68.4% samples from HCMC. Chicken samples from wet markets had by far the highest NTS counts (median 3.2 logMPN/g). NTS isolates displayed high levels of resistance against quinolones (52.2%) and β-lactams (49.6%), but low levels against 3rd generation cephalosporins (4.4%) and aminoglycosides (0.8%). The highest adjusted prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) corresponded to isolates from chicken meat and pork (OR 8.3 and 1.8, respectively) (baseline=beef). S. Kentucky was the most common serovar identified (11 from chicken, 1 from beef) and 91.7% isolates was MDR. 11/12 isolates corresponded to ST198, a worldwide-disseminated multi-resistant NTS clone. We recommend stepping up policy measures to promote responsible antimicrobial use in animal production, as well as awareness about withdrawal periods to limit the hazard of residues in animal products, and improving slaughtering/hygiene procedures to limit cross-contamination with NTS, particularly in poultry wet markets.

Rapid Assessment of Stakeholder Concerns about Public Health. An Introduction to a Fast and Inexpensive Approach Applied on Health Concerns about Intensive Animal Production Systems.

To effectively manage environmental health risks, stakeholders often need to act collectively. Stakeholders vary in their desire to act due to many factors, such as knowledge, risk perception, interests, and worldviews. Understanding their perceptions of the issues at stake is crucial to support the risk governance process. Even though concern assessment is a pivotal element of risk governance, few tools for rapid assessment are reported in the literature. We tested a rapid and relatively cheap approach, taking the Dutch debate on Intensive Animal Production Systems (IAPS) and health as an example. Dutch policy-oriented publications on IAPS and health and ten semi-structured in-depth interviews with a variety of stakeholders were analyzed to identify stakeholders and concerns involved in the Dutch debate about IAPS and health. Concerns were mapped and a stakeholder network was derived. Three classes of concerns were recognized in the discussions about IAPS and health: concerns related to health risks, concerns regarding the activity causing the risks (IAPS), and concerns about the process to control the risks. The notions of ‘trust’ and ‘scientific uncertainty’ appeared as important themes in the discussions. Argumentation based on concerns directly related to health risks, the activity causing the risk (IAPS), and its risk management can easily become muddled up in a societal debate, limiting the development of effective action perspectives. Acknowledging these multiple stakeholder concerns can clarify the positions taken by stakeholders and allow for more and other action perspectives to develop.

Research advances on the multiple uses of Moringa oleifera: A sustainable alternative for socially neglected population.

Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) is a plant with high nutritional and medicinal value. Native to India, it is now widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its different parts are sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals and present different pharmacological and biotechnological potential. Moreover, M.oleifera seeds are widely used in water and effluent treatment, for their coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation properties, their ability of improving water quality, by reducing organic matter and microbial load, with special applicability in intensive animal production systems, such as aquaculture. In addition, due to its high nutritional value and several medicinal properties, this tree may act as a nutritional and medical alternative for socially neglected populations. In this context, this review gathers information on M.oleifera, emphasizing its chemical constituents, nutritional, pharmacological and antimicrobial properties, applications in the treatment of water effluents, and ecological and social aspects.

Root system and resistance to penetration of Mombaça grass fertilized with nitrogen and irrigated

High stocking rates in intensive pasture-based animal production systems may compromise the development of the forage roots due to increased resistance in the surface layer. This study tested the hypothesis that an increase in stocking rate resulting from different levels of nitrogen fertilization in irrigated Mombaça grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombaça) pasture under intermittent grazing could increase resistance to penetration and consequently the growth of the root system. A split-plot design with randomized blocks and subplots was used, including three replications and the following four treatments: 0, 200, 400 and 800 kg N ha?1 year. Evaluations performed in spring, summer and fall seasons were assigned as subplots. The highest values for area, diameter, length and percentage of root biomass (91.4%) were concentrated at the 0-10 cm soil depth, which is explained by the lower penetration resistance in this layer. Increased stocking rate resulting from increased levels of nitrogen in the Mombaça grass sward does not directly affect the penetration resistance of the soil or root characteristics. However, in the rainy season, higher nitrogen levels lead to increased resistance, as they provide higher cumulative stocking rates in this period.

Seeing the Animal: On the Ethical Implications of De-animalization in Intensive Animal Production Systems

This article discusses the notion that the invisibility of the animalness of the animal constitutes a fundamental obstacle to change within current production systems. It is discussed whether housing animals in environments that resemble natural habitats could lead to a re-animalization of the animals, a higher appreciation of their moral significance, and thereby higher standards of animal welfare. The basic claim is that experiencing the animals in their evolutionary and environmental context would make it harder to objectify animals as mere bioreactors and production systems. It is argued that the historic objectification of animals within intensive animal production can only be reversed if animals are given the chance to express themselves as they are and not as we see them through the tunnel visions of economy and quantifiable welfare assessment parameters.

Using broiler litter and swine manure lagoon effluent in sawdust-based swine mortality composts: Effects on nutrients, bacteria, and gaseous emissions

Disposition of mortalities challenges confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), especially sow (farrowing) farms, which experience mortalities daily. Regulations and transportation costs may preclude incineration, landfill burial, and rendering; therefore, swine CAFOs in Mississippi in the Mid-South U.S. often compost mortalities. In this study, a farm-standard composting mix of sawdust (S) and water (W) was compared with mixes where N was supplied by broiler litter (L) and water was replaced with swine lagoon effluent (E). The objective was to assess the effects of these manure byproducts: 1) on nutrients and bacteria in composts destined for land application; and 2) on emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gases. Three replications of four mixes (SW, SLW, SE, SLE) were compared in microcosms comprising modified plastic recycling bins. The experiment was repeated three times in different seasons in one year. Mixes were compared for differences in temperature, water content, nutrients (C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn), bacteria (Gram−, Gram+, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, Listeria, Escherichia coli), and emissions (NH3, CO2, CH4, N2O). Litter addition increased composting temperatures initially and after aerations; increased nutrient concentrations, except C, in start mixes and all except C and N, in finish mixes; increased Gram+ bacteria, Salmonella, and E. coli in start mixes, but only Gram+s in finish mixes; and increased emissions. Effluent addition increased early composting temperatures; had no effect on nutrients or bacteria, except increased C. perfringens in start, but not finish mixes; and had no effect on emissions. Nutrients in finish composts did not differ among mixes for N (average 3.3%), but litter composts had more P and K, and lower N:P than composts without litter. Improving mortality composting is of global importance as increasing livestock populations and intensive animal production systems require practical, safe, environmentally sound disposal of carcasses.

Distance, proximity, and freedom: Identifying conflicting priorities regarding urban backyard livestock slaughter

In many U.S. cities, a new generation of urban residents is taking up gardening, canning, and keeping small livestock. Within this urban homesteading movement, the backyard slaughter of chickens and rabbits for household food production has become increasingly popular in some cities, including Oakland, California, where the practice has incited strong feelings and public debate. Based on a survey of 345 San Francisco Bay Area residents, this quantitative and qualitative research identifies three perspectives among respondents. Some subjects want backyard slaughter prohibited, either to maintain emotional distance from slaughter or because they believe it is inappropriate for urban space. Others express strong support for backyard slaughter, which they see as a humane, healthful alternative to meat from intensive animal production systems. A third group of subjects support urban residents’ right to slaughter animals, placing a high value on individual (human) liberties whether or not they personally approve of backyard slaughter. Each of these perspectives was further associated with a cluster of demographic factors, food shopping and production practices, and personal experiences with slaughter. We suggest that different underlying orientations toward the food system – that is, valuing distance, proximity, or freedom – can be seen in the discourses in which subjects discuss slaughter, how their city should regulate the practice, and in their own food procurement practices. The paper concludes by considering both contributions to related literature and the implications of findings for alternative food systems and for the municipal regulation of urban agriculture.

Toxicology and “One Health”: Opportunities for Multidisciplinary Collaborations

Toxicology and “One Health”: Opportunities for Multidisciplinary Collaborations

Dimension économique et impact environnemental de la production de viande bovine en France

Following recent publication of data on its environmental impact, beef production is being strongly challenged. However, these data concern global ruminant production, which is highly diverse and does not necessarily correspond to the European and French situations. While it is undeniable that ruminant production contributes to global warming, there are several ways of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and permanent pastures serve as carbon sinks. Beef production is also a vital economic sector for many regions, where it would not be possible to produce cereals or to develop intensive animal production systems. Beef production also contributes to many collective services, justifying its continued financial support.

Towards a conceptual framework to support one-health research for policy on emerging zoonoses

In the past two decades there has been a growing realisation that the livestock sector was in a process of change, resulting from an expansion of intensive animal production systems and trade to meet a globalised world's increasing demand for livestock products. One unintended consequence has been the emergence and spread of transboundary animal diseases and, more specifically, the resurgence and emergence of zoonotic diseases. Concurrent with changes in the livestock sector, contact with wildlife has increased. This development has increased the risk of transmission of infections from wildlife to human beings and livestock. Two overarching questions arise with respect to the real and perceived threat from emerging infectious diseases: why are these problems arising with increasing frequency, and how should we manage and control them? A clear conceptual research framework can provide a guide to ensure a research strategy that coherently links to the overarching goals of policy makers. We propose such a new framework in support of a research and policy-generation strategy to help to address the challenges posed by emerging zoonoses.

Is there a relationship between the behaviour of beef cattle and emissions of methane and ammonia from feedlot systems?

Associations between animal behaviour and emissions of methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3) have been noted in studies of grazing cattle (Lockyer, 1997) and feedlot confined cattle (Harper et al., 1999, Flesch et al., 2007). Methane emissions have been predicted as being greatest during bouts of rumination (Harper et al., 1999) whereas the emissions of the indirect greenhouse gas ammonia tends to be low early in the morning but increasing rapidly in the early afternoon after which a rapid decline until sunset (Flesch et al., 2007). With the exception of Harper et al., (1999) there are few complete data sets that examine the interaction between animal behaviour and greenhouse gas emissions from intensive animal production systems. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between animal behaviour and emissions of CH4 and NH3 in a beef feedlot system in northern Australia.