Effects and Challenges of Methane Reduction Technology on Beef Cattle Farm Business ─Analysis of Cashew Nuts Shell Liquid as Functional Feed─

The livestock industry, which plays a major role in Japanese agriculture, needs to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs). Dairy and beef cattle are considered the primary sources of GHG emissions in livestock farming; therefore, any efforts to reduce emissions should be implemented immediately. However, extending such efforts is challenging. This study focuses on cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), which is a potential measure to reduce methane produced by cows/cattle during gastrointestinal fermentation and examines the technical and managerial effects of adding it to feed in an existing beef cattle fattening business. Individual data from 2,304 cows at a farm in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, and monthly feed data from the same period were used to conduct a comparative analysis before and after feeding CNSL. The results of this observation showed a significant effect on the weight gain of individual cattle. Another analysis revealed that the additional revenue outweighed the increase in feed costs, which increased profits. This result would be useful in presenting the merits of CNSL’s introduction to beef cattle producers when the GHG reduction effect of beef cattle by CNSL is confirmed and the technology is extended in the future. It is also expected to be promoted to actual users and consumers through the acquisition of J-credit certification. On the other hand, for its extension, the challenge is to provide support from the viewpoint of feed design according to rearing and pedigree condition. Additionally, from a policy point of view, it should be pointed out that if compensation subsidy is provided as a countermeasure against soaring feed prices, it will be necessary to design incentives to encourage the use of feed that contributes to GHG reduction.

Note