DETERMINATION OF THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF ANIMAL WASTE AND CLIMATE CHANGE; KARAMAN EXAMPLE

Abstract

Climate change is a major concern around the world. In this context, the carbon footprint of animal waste is of critical importance for sustainability and climate change management. The aim of this study is to estimate the carbon footprint resulting from animal breeding and animal waste in the Karaman region. In the study, 2022 data was used and there are 1019277 sheep and 81368 cattle for Karaman. In the study, Tier 1 and Tier 2 approaches were used to estimate methane gas emissions related to both enteric fermentation resulting from animal digestive processes and manure management. According to the results of the study, the results obtained using Tier 1 and Tier 2 approaches are as follows: 0.4924-0.5014 kg CO2e per 1 liter of milk for Cattle. For sheep, it is 4.5167-6.5627 kg CO2e per 1 kg of meat. For goat, it is 5.0813-6.0231 kg CO2e per 1 kg of meat. These results can be taken into account when creating strategies to reduce methane gas emissions. It is recommended to add better quality and high energy content foods to the feed ration, especially to reduce enteric fermentation. In addition, this study is a resource for relevant researchers working in the field in calculating the carbon loads of animal waste and is thought to be a guide for decision makers and practitioners.