Determination of the carbon footprint of the businesses included in the hair goat breeding project in Isparta province

In this thesis, the carbon footprint of Hair Goat farms located in Isparta province was examined. Surveys were conducted with 40 farms that agreed to participate in the study. The farms were divided into three groups based on the number of their livestock. While calculating feed consumption for feeding and grazing practices in goat farming, ration values were based on live weights. For factory feed, rations were formed by calculating percentages according to the Crude Protein and Energy content of different brands used in the farms. The carbon footprint from feeding was determined by multiplying these rations by the CO2 emission values of each feed. The gross energy of consumed feeds was calculated according to ration requirements, and carbon footprints from enteric fermentation, manure, methane, direct and indirect nitrous oxide, and human-induced emissions were determined using reference values and equations. Excluding the goats and bucks in the farms, the total live weight gain produced and the total amount of milk produced within a year were calculated. Based on the obtained values, it was determined that 86.72% of greenhouse gas emissions in the farms were due to meat production, while 13.28% originated from milk production. The study concluded that the carbon footprint for producing 1 kg of milk was 0.83 kg CO2e/1 kg, and for 1 kg of meat, it was 4.96 kg CO2e/1 kg. The role of Hair Goat farming in the livestock sector, which is claimed to play a significant role in climate change, was evaluated. It was found that the impact of goat farming on climate change was lower compared to other types of farming in the context of livestock. In this regard, appropriate methods were proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to encourage every individual worldwide to better embrace their responsibilities.