Environmental Impacts of High-Quality Brazilian Beef Production: A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Premium and Super-Premium Beef

Simple Summary The environmental impacts and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been evaluated across studies due to global climate change. Livestock production systems may be responsible in part for the increase in GHGs and, consequently, the environmental impacts. This study analyzed the environmental inputs and outputs and economic factors of a beef cattle feedlot system. Using a partial Life Cycle Assessment approach, we provide more information for consumers, researchers, scientists, and government officials about the environmental impacts arising from the production of premium and super-premium beef. We found that feed production is the most important source of GHGs, and diesel fuel plays a minor role in the environmental impacts. Finally, increased marbling degree in meat can lead to an increase in environmental impacts.Abstract When individual purchasing power increases in society, there is a trend toward a quantitative and qualitative increase in the consumption of products. Considering the magnitude of beef production in Brazil, environmental impacts are important factors for the domestic and international markets. This study assessed a Brazilian feedlot system characterized by high animal welfare standards that produces high-quality beef that is more marbled than that produced in grass-fed systems. We assessed the environmental impacts and compared premium and super-premium beef produced in a feedlot system using a partial Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Data were collected directly on the property analyzed, considering environmental inputs and outputs and economic factors associated with the production stages of each line (premium versus super-premium). The results show that high-quality beef has, beyond a greater financial cost, an environmental cost, with the super-premium line producing a 286% higher carbon footprint, 297% more eutrophication, and three times higher acidification potential and land use than the premium line. The results of the environmental impacts agree with the results of production costs, reflecting a 282.82% higher production cost in super-premium than in premium animals. Footprints of 5.0323 kg, 4.7746 kg, and 8.8858 kg CO2 eq./kg live weight gain at the feedlot were found in the three lines.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the environmental impacts and economic factors of a beef cattle feedlot system. Using a partial Life Cycle Assessment approach, it was found that feed production is the most important source of greenhouse gas emissions, and increased marbling degree in meat can lead to an increase in environmental impacts.