Ruminant livestock significantly contributes to anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which play a role in climate change. These animals produce methane through enteric fermentation, a digestive process resulting in methane emissions via belching. Additionally, a substantial portion of greenhouse gas emissions arises from manure management. Methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and ammonia (NH3) are produced from urine and manure deposits in various environments such as open fields, grazing systems and semi-confined spaces. Reducing these emissions benefits the environment and improves livestock production efficiency by minimizing the loss of dietary energy and managing waste effectively.
Measuring GHG emissions with gas analyzers
Researchers collect and analyze data to quantify the gases produced by ruminants and manure. Our instruments are extensively used to monitor these gas exchanges in chamber headspaces on top of manure piles, and oil patches or to measure air inside cattle buildings. The ability to gather large quantities of high-quality field data helps validate existing models and calculate contributions to GHG inventories.
Addressing key animal emission research challenges
Simplifying field protocols
Obtaining rapid and repeatable results in animal emission research is critical. Traditional manual sampling methods pose several challenges:
| Error sources | Manual sample handling introduces many error sources that reduce data quality. Differences in sample-gathering methods among researchers make data less repeatable, and high training demands are placed on all researchers to ensure consistent sample gathering. |
| Low-frequency sampling | Manual sampling only allows low-frequency sampling, limiting researchers’ visibility into concentration changes that occur within minutes. Data is constrained to a few samples each hour. |
| Elevated operating costs | Manual sampling incurs high operating costs. Sampling numerous deposits on open fields with numerous collars requires significant time and resources, and external lab costs for processing samples are substantial. |
| Field analyzer challenges | Competitive field analyzers often designed for laboratory use can produce unstable results in field conditions due to vibration, orientation, etc. They may also require additional accessories for reliable field operation. |
Handling equipment logistics in the field
Transporting multiple accessories into the field is another challenge:
| Manual sampling equipment | Manual sampling methods require a large amount of equipment. |
| Field analyzer accessories | Field analyzers may require additional accessories such as pumps, filters, power sources, and data collection devices. |
| Measuring desired emissions | To measure critical emissions like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, researchers may need to transport multiple analyzers or sensors. |
Future-proof measurement for different research programs
Research programs need to adapt measurement capabilities as goals and funding sources change:
| Adjusting measurement capabilities | Changing measurement ranges or gases measured with existing equipment is often difficult and typically requires costly manufacturer services. |
| Refining measurement methods | Long-term studies may require refining measurement methods over time, necessitating new manual sampling processes, equipment, or specific accessories for field analyzers. |
| Adding automation | Implementing automation to expand measurement points may require manufacturer-specific accessories or programming. |
| Increasing research work | Expanding departmental research outside the typical field season can necessitate new sampling approaches and equipment. |
Advanced Gasmet solutions for animal emission research
Gasmet portable FTIR analyzer GT5000 Terra offers a powerful tool for researchers interested in the gases produced by ruminants and manure. With true multicomponent capability, all gases of interest can be measured simultaneously. These analyzers are designed for field use, enabling on-site measurements with real-time results, even in demanding conditions, without compromising the quality of the analysis.
Instrument highlights
- True Multi-gas capabilities: Measure gases such as methane and nitrous oxide simultaneously.
- Universal compatibility with flux chambers: Easily integrate with both manual and automated chamber designs.
- Lab-accurate results: Achieve sub-ppm level measurements with just a few clicks.
- Versatile deployment: Suitable for short-term or continuous use in various environments, including grasslands, high-humidity areas, lab-controlled settings, and sub-freezing manure storages.
Applications in livestock research
Our gas analyzers are invaluable for a wide range of applications in livestock and agricultural research, including:
- Quantifying methane emissions from ruminants to improve livestock production efficiency.
- Measuring manure emissions to understand and mitigate the environmental impact of animal production systems.
- Validating existing models and calculating contributions to GHG inventories.
- Studying carbon and nitrogen fluxes in different agricultural settings to enhance sustainability practices.
GT5000 Terra – our solution for gas measurements for animal emissions
GT5000 Terra can measure all gases of your interest simultaneously, saving you time and money. Connect it to almost any chamber system and you’re good to go. Equipped with wireless communication, you can get your measurement results in real time on your laptop or tablet. Portability makes it especially effective in field conditions.
