How healthy animals can help combat climate crisis

Healthier livestock are more productive and can help mitigate climate change, suggests a study.

Improving animal health may reduce greenhouse gas emissions without the need to switch to a meat-free diet or cut food production – helping to boost farm livelihoods and enhance animal welfare.

The finding – by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast – will be welcomed by farmers who have found themselves under growing pressure from climate change activists to reduce livestock numbers.

Working with 14 leading academic institutions from across the globe, scientists from the university’s Institute for Global Food Security out to identify the contribution of animal diseases to emissions – and whether they could be easily reduced.

Evidence

Published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the results reveal evidence that emissions increased in animals whose health is compromised, indicating that improved health could subsequently help mitigate climate change.

Until now, lack of data has made it hard to estimate the reductions attributable to improved health. But the research suggests that emissions could be reduced right away by preventing and treating the diseases with the highest GHG impacts.

Infections

Challenges such as common, low-grade infections with parasites and bacteria, and other diseases like mastitis and lameness account for much of the burden – but are not tracked as closely as higher profile outbreaks.

The impact of such diseases is poorly represented within existing accounting methods for greenhouse gas emissions, meaning that efforts to reduce emissions through improved animal health do not always receive the support they deserve.

Lead scientist Ilias Kyriazakis said: “This is a serious missed opportunity because, unlike many other technical and policy solutions to livestock emissions, improved health has multiple proven positive impacts and risks fewer unintended consequences.

“Improving animal health can deliver an immediate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and at the same time improve production efficiency but is not prioritised because its benefits are not well quantified.

“We propose a new and rigorous method to account for these benefits and drive action to reduce the impact of livestock systems.”

Food security

The scientists say livestock are crucial to livelihoods around the world and play an important role in food security and the provision of nutrient-dense food in the southern hemisphere.

Researcher Frances Ryan, from Edinburgh University, said livestock were especially important for climate adaptation. In reducing emissions, it was important not to undermine these benefits or endanger food security.

“Reducing emissions by improving animal health allows us to address environmental issues while protecting people who rely on livestock.

“We should seize this opportunity to get closer to a sustainable planetary future.’’

Retailer sells most British free-range eggs

Aldi sells more British free-range eggs than any other UK supermarket, according to the latest data from market researchers Kantar.

Almost 200 million free-range eggs were purchased at Aldi during the 12 weeks to 9 June. The retailer has invested more than £50m in UK egg producers during the past two years – and all Aldi eggs are British Lion Code approved.

The discount supermarket chain says it also implements long-term contracts for its egg suppliers, providing them with certainty and security for continued investment to grow their own businesses.

Aldi buying director Julie Ashfield said: “British suppliers are integral to Aldi’s success, and the long-term relationships we’ve formed with our UK egg farmers are something we take great pride in.

“Becoming the largest provider of free-range eggs is a great achievement which wouldn’t have been possible without these brilliant suppliers, who continue to work with us to put animal welfare first.”

Ms Ashfield says Aldi spent an additional £1.3bn with British suppliers in 2023. The supermarket is continuing to invest more than ever before in British farmers and growers, she adds.