Climate accounting & reporting
Enteric fermentation
Definition
Enteric fermentation is the digestive process in ruminant animals (cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo) in which microbes in the rumen decompose and ferment feed, producing methane as a by-product that is expelled mainly through belching. It is a defined source category in IPCC emission inventories.
References
definition, sector shares, mitigation targets
mechanism, species differences
Overview
What it means
Agriculture contributes about 40% of anthropogenic methane, with livestock systems the largest part (around 32%) and cattle responsible for roughly 75% of global enteric methane. Because methane is a potent, short-lived greenhouse gas, enteric emissions are a priority mitigation target: IPCC-assessed pathways call for methane cuts of 40–45% by 2030 for 1. 5°C consistency.
How it is used
Quantified in national GHG inventories using IPCC Tier methods; addressed through feed additives, diet quality, breeding and manure management in mitigation programmes and product carbon footprints.
Why it matters
Enteric methane is the single biggest agricultural emission source and central to the climate footprint of meat and dairy.