Tamale, Ghana – New research by the University for Development Studies (UDS) has revealed that poorly fed cattle, particularly the White Fulani breed, emit significantly more greenhouse gases than cars, posing a significant but overlooked threat to climate efforts in Ghana and beyond.
According to the findings, a single White Fulani dairy cow on a poor-quality diet produces up to 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) annually. By contrast, a typical passenger vehicle emits approximately 5 tonnes of CO₂e per year when driven about 18,500 kilometres.
Delivering the university’s 20th Professorial Inaugural Lecture in Tamale, Professor Addah Weseh, Director of Community Relations and Outreach at UDS and Professor of Ruminant Nutrition, described the situation as “alarming” and called for urgent policy action.
“We often blame industry for global warming, but our data show that cattle—especially when poorly fed—contribute even more,” Professor Addah said. “A herd of 60 cows emits as much greenhouse gas as 120 petrol cars.”
Why Poor Feeding Increases Methane Emissions
The research explains that low-quality feed prolongs digestion in the rumen, the first chamber of the stomach in cattle, resulting in higher methane output. Methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to global warming.
“When feed digestibility is low, it stays in the rumen longer, producing more methane,” Professor Addah said. “Improving feed quality through crop residue conservation can reduce emissions and boost cattle productivity.”
Solutions: Feed Quality and Crop Residue Conservation
Ghana, the professor noted, produces sufficient crop residues to feed its cattle year-round. However, only 32% of this potential feed is currently used, compared to up to 100% in countries like Burkina Faso. The result: Ghanaian livestock are less healthy, less export-ready, and more environmentally damaging.
“We must teach farmers how to properly store crop residues and discourage bush burning, which destroys vital animal feed,” he said.
Crop residues—including stalks, leaves, and stems left after harvest—are key to livestock nutrition when appropriately preserved.
A Call to Action
Professor Addah urged the government to:
- Regulate bush burning to protect feed resources
- Support farmers with training on residue conservation
- Invest in appropriate technologies to improve ruminant nutrition
He concluded by emphasizing that “land, feed, and cattle are all part of the climate equation.” With the right policies, Ghana could not only lower emissions but also improve livelihoods.
