The GRINS project for the development of life cycle inventory of dairy cattle Italian breeding: the statistical datasets

This work aims to propose LCI datasets concerning dairy cattle breeding in Italy. The scope is to address the lack of representative inventory data regarding the sector, including specific cattle breeds, agricultural crops, and breeding practices. Several studies highlight the significant environmental impact of cow-milk production. Agricultural and breeding practices, along with geographic factors, affect these emissions. Optimizing feed ratios and appropriate stable management can mitigate environmental impact and affect water and soil use. In this study, 5 out of nearly 200 expected national and regional statistical datasets related to dairy cattle (population > 1% and milk production over 20 kg day-1) have been developed. Detailed breed-specific information was provided, including GHG emissions (CH4, direct and indirect N2O and NOx), stable management (water, straw and electricity consumption, soil occupation), and feed ration composition. The study investigates in detail the agricultural phase of each crop (both forage and concentrate) involved in the feed preparation. Detailed national and regional data (2019-2022) were collected, considering cultivated area, crop yield, and import/export volumes, as well as fertilizers and pesticides used, to establish a model tailored to the Italian context. The deliverable consists of Italian datasets focusing on breed and geographical area-specific parameters able to serve as a valuable source of detailed information. These datasets can be used by LCA practitioners with the aim of implementing sustainable practices and optimizing environmental performance in livestock husbandry.