Livestock emissions reduced by 17% in JBS and Silvateam project
JBS and Silvateam recently announced the results of the study carried out at the São Paulo Institute of Zootechny (IZ), which shows that tannins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in beef production.
The study found that using feed additives, in this case Silvafeed BX, containing tannins and saponins can reduce enteric methane emissions by up to 17% for feedlot beef cattle. The methodology employed in the study will enable industry players to track emission reductions in their greenhouse gas accounting in the future.
Experts from IZ's Science Centre for Advancing Climate Neutrality in Beef Cattle Raising monitored cattle at JBS's feedlot in Guaiçara for around six months. By using a tannin and saponin mixture in their diet, and employing the results retrospectively, over 30,200 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions were prevented between 2019 and 2022. The tannin mixture also contributes to weight gain, reduced feed costs, improved feed conversion, and enhanced protein efficiency. The study confirmed that tannin improves cattle's intestinal health and effectively reduces enteric emissions.
Silvateam has reported that over 5 million cattle in Brazilian feedlots have been given tannin produced by the company since 2016. This has helped to prevent the emission of 11,900 tons of methane or 334,766 tons of CO2 equivalent. To put that into perspective, it is equivalent to planting 22,600 trees or removing 265,600 gasoline-powered cars from circulation.
