Estimation of the Methane Emission Factor for Buffalo Cattle and Bulls

In order to determine the incidence of buffaloes on enteric CH4 emissions, information about animal pro-duction and farm management was analyzed and the CH4 emission factor estimated using the IPCC Tier 2 model. CH4 emission factor for the category of buffalo cattle and buffalo bulls was estimated for the period 2000-2007, in Italy, Europe and worldwide. During 2007, the CH4 emission factor for buffalo cattle and bulls worldwide was 61.35 and 47.48 kg CH4/head/yr respectively. The CH4 emission factor from 2000 to 2007 worldwide showed an increase of 1.94 and 4.68 kg CH4/head/yr for buffalo cattle and bulls respec-tively, also considering that the buffalo population is increasing and that the CH4 emission factor depends on body weight and milk yield.