Federal offset protocol: Reducing enteric methane emissions from beef cattle

Enteric methane emissions are a by-product of a natural digestive process in ruminants such as cattle. As part of this process, a portion of the feed is converted into methane and released back into the atmosphere by the cattle as an enteric emission through eructation.

The Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle federal offset protocol will be intended for use by a proponent undertaking a project to reduce enteric methane emissions in confined beef cattle feeding operations through improved management, diet reformulation, the use of feed additives, growth promotors or other innovative strategies. Implementation of project activities will reduce the quantity of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted per unit mass of beef produced by improving animal performance or directly reducing enteric methane emissions. Improvements to animal performance may also result in decreased methane and nitrous oxide emissions from manure.

A project undertaken under this protocol will generate GHG emission reductions for which federal offset credits may be issued under the Canadian Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations. The proponent must follow the methodology and requirements set out in this protocol, including those to quantify and report GHG emission reductions generated by the eligible project activities.

A project undertaken under this protocol cannot generate GHG emission reductions during cattle grazing, from dairy cattle or from the use of emerging feeds or technologies that directly inhibit enteric methane production without improved animal performance.

Comment period on the draft protocol

Environment and Climate Change Canada published a draft Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle federal offset protocol for a comment period, which closed on February 6, 2024. Comments received on the draft protocol will help to inform the development of the final protocol.

Access the draft protocol

Draft Reducing enteric methane emissions from beef cattle federal offset protocol, version 1.0

Other resources

A webinar was held on January 17, 2024, to present an overview of the draft protocol. To receive a copy of the presentation, please send us an email at: creditscompensatoires-offsets@ec.gc.ca