| The main goal of the project is the analysis of mitigation potentials, which can be realized for greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from livestock farming. Because of their substantial changes over the past two decades, a revision of nutritional factors should be specifically considered. In addition to an optimization of feeding aspects, the associated changes in nutrient efficiency and excretions of nitrogen and volatile carbon compounds are particularly relevant with regards to potential emissions. The results of this project will be elaborated to be used for a (later) implementation in the Austrian Air Pollution Inventory (OLI).
The consolidation of relevant data bases and subsequent modelling of the reduction potentials for different emission substance groups and mitigation measures will provide information which is reflecting the actual situation in Austria. This will include various international and national guidelines for the calculation of emissions, national statistical data, the state of knowledge in the (inter-) national scientific literature, representative data of producer associations (e.g. ZAR, Efficient cow), data from feed analyses and farm-specific diet calculations by a project partner from the feed industry (Fixkraft). If needed, this database can be extended by expert interviews with i.a. nutrition experts from the chambers of agriculture and additional data collection on-farm (Fixkraft).
Expected results include updated and representative values for ingested nitrogen (N) and feed energy intake, excreted nitrogen (Nex) and potentially volatile carbon compounds (volatile solids excreted, VSex). Additionally, for selected parameters and relevant animal categories, trends over the time series (including trend predictions) are derived by comparison with previous results (see e.g. Gruber and Steinwidder 1996).
Reduction potentials for NH3, NOX, N2O and CH4 emissions from manure and enteric fermentation will be estimated. Within the framework of the project a "peer-reviewed" publication is planned. In addition to an interim and a final report to the BMNT, a stakeholder-specific dissemination of the results is planned for policy, advocacy and other social groups . Specific parts regarding emission risks and mitigation measures will be prepared for and made available to agricultural advisory services. |