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Methodology for Measuring GHG Emissions and Emission Quantities in Japanese Beef Cattle Barns

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2026 ASABE Annual International Meeting  2600467.(doi:10.13031/aim.202600467)
Authors:   Atsuo Ikeguchi, Masakazu Yajima, Masaaki Hoshino
Keywords:   GHG emissions, Japanese Beef cattle, Natural ventilation, Ventilation rate, measurement-based MRV(Measurement, Reporting, Verification).

Abstract. Decarbonization in the livestock sector is increasingly viewed as a governance challenge requiring measurement-based MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) systems. Current Japanese credit schemes rely on emission factors, creating a structural gap in which effective reduction efforts, such as low-carbon feeds, go uncredited. This study addresses this by developing a direct measurement method for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from both bovine respiration and floor bedding in naturally ventilated Japanese beef cattle barns.Field measurements were conducted at a Wagyu fattening farm in Southern Kyushu over five months. The methodology utilized the CO2 mass balance equation to determine ventilation rates, overcoming the limitations of traditional tracer gas methods in open-type barns. Methane concentrations were continuously monitored using "tukumo" technology. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in emissions following the administration of a plant-based essential oil feed additive. Specifically, emissions decreased from 207.5 t CO2eq to 184.7 t CO2eq for 46 heads over a 97-day period, confirming a reduction of 22.8 t CO2eq. Notably, no significant correlation was observed between external weather conditions and emission quantities, indicating the robustness of the measurement method in open-type facilities. These findings provide a verified basis for credit issuance and the evaluation of on-site reduction efforts.

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