Ruminant livestock farming is a critical component of the global food supply chain, but it is also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. Methane is responsible for around 30% of global warming since the Industrial Revolution, and its warming potential is over 80 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. In response to mounting pressure from governments and international organisations, over 150 countries have joined the Global Methane Pledge, committing to a 30% reduction in methane emissions by 2030 from 2020 levels. This ambitious goal aims to help keep the global temperature rise below 1.5°C. In this context, the need for accurate emissions monitoring and innovative solutions has never been more urgent. 

This article explores the environmental impact of ruminant farming emissions, the advantages of Gas Filter Correlation (GFC) infrared gas analysis for methane detection, and how Analox’s technology can support the agricultural sector in achieving these reduction targets while contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Introduction

The global agricultural sector is responsible for a substantial portion of greenhouse gas emissions, with ruminant livestock – cattle, sheep, and goats – contributing significantly to this issue. Methane (CH₄) emissions from enteric fermentation in ruminants account for approximately 40% of agriculture’s total methane emissions, according to the Global Methane Pledge. Methane is particularly concerning due to its high global warming potential, which is 28-34 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, making it a critical focus for global emissions reduction strategies. To meet international climate goals, accurate monitoring and effective mitigation of these emissions are essential.

For more details, you can refer to the Global Methane Pledge.​

​Given the growing urgency to combat climate change, governments and international bodies have set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including those from agriculture. More than 150 countries have joined the Global Methane Pledge, which commits to a 30% reduction in methane emissions by 2030, from 2020 levels. Accurate and reliable monitoring of these emissions is critical to achieving these goals, as methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, responsible for around 30% of global warming since the Industrial Revolution.

The Environmental Impact of Ruminant Emissions

The environmental impact of methane emissions from ruminant livestock is well-documented. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), methane is responsible for approximately 16% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with agriculture being one of the primary contributors due to emissions from enteric fermentation in livestock. In the UK, methane emissions from agriculture account for nearly 10% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, as highlighted by the UK’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Reducing methane emissions is a critical focus for emission reduction efforts both globally and nationally. For more information, you can explore reports from the IPCC and the UK Government.

Research has shown that reducing methane emissions could have a rapid and significant impact on slowing the rate of global warming due to methane’s short atmospheric lifetime compared to carbon dioxide . This has led to increased interest in technologies and practices that can mitigate methane emissions in the agricultural sector.

Government Targets for Emission Reduction

Governments worldwide have recognized the need to address methane emissions as part of broader climate change mitigation strategies. The UK government, through its Net Zero by 2050 strategy, has set a legally binding target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 . As part of this strategy, the UK has committed to a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, with specific attention to methane emissions from agriculture.

The Global Methane Pledge, launched at the COP26 summit in 2021, further underscores the global commitment to reducing methane emissions. This initiative, endorsed by over 100 countries, aims to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels . These targets highlight the critical need for effective monitoring and mitigation strategies in the agricultural sector.

DEFRA’s Role in Tackling Ruminant Emissions

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) plays a pivotal role in the UK’s efforts to reduce methane emissions from agriculture. DEFRA’s initiatives focus on supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices that reduce emissions while maintaining productivity.

Key DEFRA Initiatives:

• The Clean Growth Strategy: DEFRA is implementing the Clean Growth Strategy  which includes measures to promote the adoption of low-emission technologies and practices in agriculture. This strategy emphasises the importance of innovation and technological advancements in reducing methane emissions.
• Farming Innovation Programme: DEFRA supports research and development through the Farming Innovation Programme, which funds projects aimed at improving environmental sustainability in agriculture. This includes research on feed additives, breeding strategies, and waste management practices that can reduce methane emissions from ruminants.
• Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI): The SFI, part of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, incentivizes farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices. This includes actions that can reduce methane emissions, such as improving livestock diet, manure management, and pasture management.

DEFRA’s initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling agricultural emissions, combining regulatory measures with financial incentives and support for innovation.

Gas Filter Correlation (GFC) infrared analysis: An Optimal Detection Method

Given the need for accurate emission monitoring, Gas Filter Correlation (GFC) infrared analysis emerges as a highly effective method for detecting methane emissions without cross interferences in agricultural settings. GFC infrared analysis is known for its precision, sensitivity, and ability to provide real-time data, making it ideally suited for use on livestock farms.

Advantages of GFC Gas Analysis:

• High Sensitivity and Specificity: GFC infrared analysis is capable of detecting low concentrations of methane even in complex environments where multiple gases are present. This is particularly important for farms where methane emissions may vary based on numerous factors, including animal diet and management practices .
• Real-Time Monitoring: The ability to provide continuous, real-time data allows for immediate detection and response to changes in methane emissions. This real-time monitoring capability enables farmers to implement timely interventions that can mitigate emissions more effectively.

• Robustness in Harsh Environments: Livestock farms present challenging conditions for gas detection, including fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and the presence of dust and other particulates. GFC infrared systems are designed to operate reliably in these conditions, ensuring consistent performance and data accuracy .

Analox’s Expertise in GFC Infrared

At Analox, we have a proven track record of developing advanced gas analysis technologies, including GFC Infrared systems, which are particularly well-suited to the agricultural sector. Our solutions are designed to meet the unique challenges of methane detection on livestock farms, providing farmers with the tools they need to monitor and manage their emissions effectively.

Analox’s GFC Infrared Solutions:

• Precision and Accuracy: Our GFC infrared systems offer high-precision methane and carbon dioxide measurement, enabling farmers to obtain accurate emissions data that can be used to inform management practices and meet regulatory requirements.
• User-Friendly Design: We understand that technology must be accessible and easy to use for farmers. Our systems are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making it simple for farmers to integrate them into their existing operations.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Whether for small family farms or large-scale agricultural enterprises, our solutions are scalable and adaptable, ensuring that all farmers have access to the technology they need to reduce their environmental impact.
• Transportable Solutions: Our portable GFC systems are designed for field-based use, allowing farmers to monitor methane emissions directly where livestock graze. This practical, transportable setup ensures real-time data collection in various farming environments, making it a flexible solution for diverse conditions.

Reducing methane emissions from ruminant livestock is a pressing and vital challenge for the agricultural sector. With governments around the world setting ambitious targets, like the Global Methane Pledge, and organisations such as DEFRA offering support for sustainable farming practices, the industry stands at a pivotal moment. The need for accurate and reliable emissions monitoring is critical to meeting these goals, and Gas Filter Correlation (GFC) technology has proven to be one of the most effective solutions for this purpose.

At Analox, we are proud to contribute to these efforts through our advanced GFC solutions, which equip farmers with the precise data they need to manage their emissions responsibly. Working as part of the CIEL Dancing with Daffodils consortium and The SRUC, we are collaborating with farmers, researchers, and industry leaders to develop innovative, practical solutions that pave the way for a more sustainable future in agriculture.