Project
M4Models
The mission within subtheme B1 is to reduce methane emissions in livestock farming to the maximum extent possible. To this end, there are two main directions in research: reduced methane emission from animals (enteric methane production) and reduction of methane emission from manure. The international research in this proposal focuses on reducing methane emissions from manure. This involves looking at different options for manure management and manure treatment. This is in line with projects ongoing within the Climate Envelope.
Options to reduce methane emissions include: quick removal from the stable (rinsing, sliding, belts), manure treatment (acidification) and manure cooling. This also looks at the effect throughout the chain. Methane emissions and reduction potential are determined under standardised conditions. In a standard measurement setup, the biochemical methane potential (BMP), which is the maximum methane production, and the actual methane production are determined. Based on this ratio, the methane conversion factor (MCF) is determined. This is an internationally recognised method and results can be translated to other situations and conditions (e.g. other climate regions). This provides uniform figures for EU countries and allows national methane emissions to be accurately determined.