Methane Production by New Zealand Ruminants

Methane production by ruminants in New Zealand was estimated using a ma1hema1ical model of rumen digestion interfaced with census livestock numbers. New Zealand was divided into 4 climatic regions with each classified into improved, unimproved and tussock grasslands, and livestock were allocated to each class at appropriate stocking rates. Models of changing livestock numbers within n year were developed for each animal and land class. Food dry matter intake for each class of livestock was calculated from estimates of feed requirements and diet quality. Total methane production was estimated to be 1.50 Tg per year: 58.4% sheep, 20.7%, beef cattle, 17.7% dairy cattle, 2.0% deer and 1.2% goats. Seasonal variation in methane production was in the order spring >summer>autumn>winter.