A simplified tool for estimating carbon footprint of dairy cattle milk

The article presents a simplified method for estimating milk carbon footprint. LatteGHG is an electronic worksheet dedicated to the typical Italian dairy production systems. The literature concerning the estimation of milk carbon footprint has been examined, with particular attention to background information and methodologies that are adopted for estimating greenhouse gas emissions. The aim is to identify the solutions that best fit an intensive production system, such as the milk production system in Italy. The article includes an in-depth description of the procedures used in the estimation in order to ensure the greatest transparency. The proposed tool is also flexible because it allows the users to upload the most up-dated and suitable emission factors. LatteGHG has been tested by simulating four dairy farm models and has been shown to be able to at least point out differences due to milk productivity, the stocking rate and the manure management system.