REVIEW ON THE INFLUENCE OF DAIRY CATTLE HEALTH EFFECTS ON GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Climate changes represent a major threat to society, due to its wide impact on ecosystems, economy, human and animal health. The aim of this review was to evaluate the influence of dairy cattle health and their implications on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity. The main influencing factors concerning the GHG intensity of dairy cattle that are discussed in this review article are nutrition, animal productivity, longevity and fertility, in relationship with animal health. Data showed that high levels of animal health not only led to increased productivity performances, however, it translates into a significant decrease of GHG emissions. Moreover, metabolic disorders during the transition period of lactating cows represent a critical risk for cows mortality, productivity and economical losses, and higher GHG emissions/kilogram/milk. Overall, the reductions in GHG emissions intensity could be achieved through the implementation of proper animal health management programs at individual farm level.