Researchers from Virginia Tech and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently tested this hypothesis: Eliminate U.S. dairy cows and you’ll lessen climate issues. They found that if the dairy herd were somehow removed from the U.S., greenhouse gas emissions would only be reduced by about 0.7 percent.
Milk production contributes approximately 1.3 percent of all U.S. GHG emissions, the researchers say. By comparison, transportation as an industry in the U.S. accounts for 28 percent of GHG emissions.
Source: The Bullvine, March 1, 2021. Link.
This study indicates that without cows, there would be a minimal impact to greenhouse gas emissions and a significant impact to the availability of essential nutrients needed for human health, such as calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12.” – Katie Brown, EdD, RDN, National Dairy Council
INSIGHTS: The debates will continue. It is up to animal health pros to share the rest of the story.