METHODOLOGY: VCS Version 3 METHODOLOGY FOR THE REDUCTION OF ENTERIC METHANE EMISSIONS FROM RUMINANTS THROUGH THE USE OF 100% NATRUAL FEED SUPPLEMENT Document Prepared by MOOTRAL SA, in collaboration with ALLCOT Title Reduction of enteric methane emissions from ruminants through the use of 100% natural feed supplement Version 8 Date of Issue 27-February-2019 Type New methodology Sectoral Scope 15. Livestock and Manure Management Prepared By MOOTRAL SA & ALLCOT AG Contact Elisavet Zoupanidou, Avenue des Uttins 1, 1180 Rolle, Switzerland +41 79 857 0435, [email protected] v3.3 1 METHODOLOGY: VCS Version 3 Relationship to Approved or Pending Methodologies Approved and pending methodologies under the VCS and approved GHG programs that fall under the same sectoral scope were reviewed to determine whether an existing methodology could be reasonably revised to meet the objective of this proposed methodology. Five methodologies were identified and are set out in Table 1 below. Table 1 provides a brief overview of the scope of each methodology, along with the reasons why they could not be revised to meet the objective of this proposed methodology. Generally, the available methodologies do not address GHG emission reductions of enteric methane from ruminants within their scope. In summary, and to the best of the methodology developer’s knowledge, there is no approved or pending methodology that can be reasonably revised to address the project activity proposed under this methodology. Table 1: Overview of similar methodologies Methodology Title GHG Program Comments CDM AMS-III.BK Strategic feed CDM The scope of this methodology is specific to supplementation in dairy cows. The methodology is not intended for smallholder dairy technologies/measures targeting suppression of sector to increase methane emissions from the process of enteric productivity fermentation. CDM SSC-NM085 Strategic CDM The scope of this methodology is specific to supplementation of a dairy cows. The methodology is not intended for large ruminant dairy technologies/measures targeting suppression of sector for the methane emissions from the process of enteric reduction of fermentation. methane CDM SSC-NM094 Strategic CDM The scope of this methodology is specific to supplementation of a dairy cows and aims to reduce methane small holder dairy emission per unit of milk production via sector to increase improved nutritional conditions of lactating productivity and animals in the project. The methodology is not reduce methane intended for technologies/measures targeting emissions suppression of methane emissions from the process of enteric fermentation, and therefore is not appropriate for revision for the proposed project activity. CDM NM0260 Uganda Cattle Feed CDM The scope of the reviewed methodology is Project (UCFP) specific to dairy cows in Uganda. The methodology is not intended for technologies/measures targeting suppression of methane emissions from the process of enteric fermentation, and therefore is not appropriate for revision for the proposed project activity. v3.3 2 METHODOLOGY: VCS Version 3 VCS V02 Methodology to VCS The scope of the methodology is specific to beef reduce enteric cattle that are range fed or semi-confined. The methane emissions reviewed methodology uses feed supplements in beef cattle using to reduce the beef cattle fattening time, thereby organic or natural reducing methane emissions both from enteric feed supplements fermentation as well as from animal manure. Therefore, this methodology is not applicable for technologies/measures targeting suppression of methane emissions from the process of enteric fermentation. v3.3 3 METHODOLOGY: VCS Version 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Sources ................................................................................................................................................. 5 2 Summary Description of the Methodology ............................................................................................ 5 3 Definitions .............................................................................................................................................. 6 4 Applicability Conditions ......................................................................................................................... 7 5 Project Boundary ................................................................................................................................... 8 6 Baseline Scenario ................................................................................................................................. 9 7 Additionality ........................................................................................................................................... 9 8 Quantification of GHG Emission Reductions and Removals ................................................................ 9 8.1 Baseline Emissions ..................................................................................................................... 10 8.2 Project Emissions ........................................................................................................................ 13 8.3 Leakage ....................................................................................................................................... 15 8.4 Net GHG Emission Reductions and Removals ........................................................................... 15 9 Monitoring ............................................................................................................................................ 15 9.1 Data and Parameters Available at Validation ............................................................................. 15 9.2 Data and Parameters Monitored ................................................................................................. 20 9.3 Description of the Monitoring Plan .............................................................................................. 22 10 References .......................................................................................................................................... 24 APPENDIX I: Justification for Activity Method ............................................................................................ 26 APPENDIX II: Background Information on Project Activity ......................................................................... 29 v3.3 4 METHODOLOGY: VCS Version 3 1 SOURCES This methodology was developed based on the requirements and guidelines of the following: • VCS Standard, v3.7 • VCS Guidance: Guidance for Standardized Methods, v3.3 • 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National GHG Inventories. Volume 4: Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. Chapter 10: Emissions from livestock and manure management The following have informed the development of this methodology: • VCS module VMD0027: Estimation of domesticated animal populations, v1.0 • VCS module VMD0028: Estimation of emissions from domesticated animals, v1.0 • “Quantification Protocol” approved by the Alberta Offset System: Quantification protocol for reducing days on feed for beef cattle • ACR Methodology for Grazing Land and Livestock Management, v1.0 2 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODOLOGY This methodology provides procedures to estimate enteric methane (CH4) emission reductions generated from the inhibition of methanogenesis due to the introduction of a natural feed supplement into ruminants’ diet. This methodology considers only emission reductions from enteric fermentation. Feed supplements applicable under this methodology reduce CH4 emissions by directly acting on the population of methanogenic archaea in the rumen. This methodology focuses on application of natural plant-based feed supplements, which along with inhibiting methanogenesis, may also have advantageous effects on rumen bacteria, thereby improving fermentation in the rumen. Depending on the location where a project is implemented and data availability, this methodology provides two approaches for the quantification of baseline and project emissions. Specifically, the quantification of baseline emissions may be performed using data from either on-site direct measurements, or by applying Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)-approved methods to model emissions using country-specific or peer-reviewed biometric data. The quantification of project emissions may be performed using data from either on-site direct measurements, or by applying an empirically-derived regional emission reduction factor provided by the feed supplement manufacturer. Table 2: Additionality and Crediting Baseline Methods Additionality and Crediting Method Additionality Activity method Crediting Baseline Project Method v3.3 5 METHODOLOGY: VCS Version 3 3 DEFINITIONS In addition to the definitions set out in VCS document Program Definitions, the following definitions apply to this methodology: Animal Groupings Animals at each farm grouped based on a homogenous ruminant population characterization such as animal type, weight, production phase (e.g., pregnant or lactating cow) and feed type Diet Feed ingredients or mixture of ingredients including water, which is consumed by animals Dry Matter Intake (DMI) All nutrients contained in the dry portion of the feed consumed by animals Emission Reduction Factor Percent reduction of enteric methane emissions per animal due to project feed supplement Enteric Methane Methane emissions from ruminants as part of the digestion of the feed materials Enteric Fermentation