Fazendas leiteiras com maior eficiência zootécnica e econômica tem potencial menor intensidade de emissões de gases de efeito estufa

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, production efficiency, and the economic viability of dairy farms located in the Central-West region of Minas Gerais. The research was conducted in loco across production units with a minimum of 12 months of prior technical and managerial monitoring. Emission intensity was measured using the PecCalc (ESGpec) tool, and the emission data were crossreferenced with zootechnical indicators (daily production per cow, proportion of lactating cows, and productivity per area) and economic indicators (gross margin, net margin, and profitability). The results revealed an average emission intensity of 1.52 kg CO2e/Kg FPCM of milk. It was found that feed production and pasture management accounted for the largest share of emissions (48.2%), surpassing enteric methane (43.4%). Statistical analysis revealed a negative correlation between emissions per liter and profitability, demonstrating that technical efficiency and financial success work in tandem to mitigate emissions per liter of milk produced. However, a territorial duality was observed, wherein the intensification required to increase profitability demanded higher stocking rates, consequently leading to an increase in absolute emissions per hectare. Aligned with the guidelines of the Sustainable Rural Project – Cerrado (Projeto Rural Sustentável – Cerrado) and the ABC+ Plan (Plano ABC+), this study concludes that more efficient farms are capable of producing milk with a lower environmental impact and higher profitability. Nevertheless, additional measures, such as proper land management, remain necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of productio