Over the past few months I have been working on our MScCCAFS research thesis composed of a review publication with the title “Measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant livestock: State of the Art and Future Perspectives“. I systematically reviewed all available literature on the research topic and I am currently generating a review publication.
I looked at many of the key techniques which are currently being used for measuring both direct and indirect GHG emissions occuring from ruminant livestock. I decided to look at measurment techniques being used on individual animals, at farm level and at a national level. Furthermore, I am looking at emerging technologies which may improve the measurement process in future. I will also be examining current knowledge gaps in modelling of emissions from livestock and how accuracy of measurements is an issue which can be improved going forward.
The images below are some examples of techniques which are currently being used to measure emissions from ruminant livetsock.
Portable Accumulation Chamber used for measuring emissions from sheep
Methane measurement devices used on cows in Germany
I will continue to work on this research project over the next few weeks and hope to get some part-time research training completed with the on-going Teagasc – NUI Galway METHABATE project which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant livestock. I hope to have my first draft completed soon and get it reviewed by my supervisors. Then hopefully, I will get the paper to publication quality in the Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems format which is required.