AgNext/USDA ARS Pilot Study Sheds Light on the Role of Animal Origin on Enteric Methane Emissions in the Colorado Shortgrass Steppe

Rangelands provide a myriad of benefits to society, from social goods like clean air, water, and wildlife habitat to forage for grazing livestock. Research in rangeland systems is complex and often nuanced based on specific ecosystem and social interactions. This unique pilot study evaluated the intricate relationship between semi-arid rangelands, enteric methane emissions, and animal performance. Conducted in collaboration with the USDA Agricultural Research Service Rangeland Resources and Systems Research Unit, enteric methane was evaluated across two cattle origins in an extensive rangeland environment at the Central Plains Experimental Range.  

This research highlights the significant influence of the animal’s origin on both its production efficiency and enteric methane emissions. Our observations reveal that the origin of the animal impacts animal emissions and performance, despite animals grazing a common pasture. Factors such as genetic lineage and learned foraging behaviors could affect total methane emissions, animal performance, and methane produced per unit of gain. These insights demonstrate the complexity of animal-ecosystem management and the need for tailored approaches based on origin-specific and regional considerations. Additionally, the 320-acre Sandy Plains Ecological Site (R067BY024CO) pasture evaluated in this study covers 1.2 million acres of rangeland in northeastern Colorado; therefore, this work provides a better understanding of the soil-plant-enteric methane emissions relationship in this important grazing system. 

While our initial findings offer valuable insights, we also identified gaps in published literature. Scarcity of data on enteric methane emissions from cattle grazing in rangeland systems poses a significant challenge. For example, our observed emissions were 25% higher than our predicted emissions (IPCC Tier 2 methodology), highlighting the urgent need for more comprehensive research efforts. 

This work led to preliminary data that supported additional funded research efforts focused on individual animal emissions in extensive grazing systems. Through a USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant, we will continue to evaluate whether variations in enteric methane emissions and performance by origin persist throughout the animal’s life cycle.  

 In summary, in this pilot study origin impacted animal performance and methane emissions from cattle grazing semi-arid rangelands. Additional research is necessary evaluating grazing cattle to further understand baseline enteric methane emissions and practical mitigation opportunities.  

The paper is publicly available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550742424000010 

The full citation for this publication is: Raynor, E.J., Schilling-Hazlett, A., S.E. Place, J. Vargas Martinez, L.R. Thompson, M.K. Johnston, T.R. Jorns, M.R. Beck, L.A. Kuehn, J.D. Derner, and K.R. Stackhouse-Lawson. 2024. Snapshot of enteric methane emissions from stocker cattle grazing extensive semiarid rangelands. Rangeland Ecology & Management 93:77-80 

Picture of EJ Raynor, Ph.D.

EJ Raynor, Ph.D.

Research Scientist

Picture of Sara Place, Ph.D.

Sara Place, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Feedlot Systems

Picture of Juan Vargas, Ph.D.

Juan Vargas, Ph.D.

Sustainable Beef Cattle Systems Postdoctoral Fellow