Estimation of Energy Balance and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Dairy Farms (Case study: Qazvin Province)

Investigation of energy consumption and its management in industrial and semi-industrial units of livestock breeding is one of the most important issues in economy and energy of these units. The present study was conducted to investigate the energy flow and greenhouse gas emissions in dairy farms in Qazvin Province. Data was collected through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with 62 dairy farm managers . The results showed that the total energy input to produce one liter of milk was 27.8 MJ. In addition, livestock and fuel feeders with 48% and 29% share were the most energy consuming units. Energy efficiency in this study was estimated to be 0.25. Greenhouse gas emissions were calculated to be 0.65 kg of carbon dioxide per liter of milk and among the inputs used, machinery and fuel accounted for 72% and 24% of greenhouse gas emissions, respectively,. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts by replacing low performance machines and equipment with higher performance ones and by consuming natural gas fuel instead of diesel fuel. It is also possible to reduce energy consumption by appropriately managing diets and using optimal nutritional patterns and suitable nutrition.