Additional data collection for Tier 2 greenhouse gas inventory in cattle production in Vietnam
This study generated country-specific data to support Tier 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission estimation in Vietnam’s cattle sector, aiming to enhance the accuracy of national GHG inventories. Key parameters collected include breed composition, herd structure, live weight, milk yield and composition, growth and reproductive performance, feeding practices, and manure management. Data were compiled from on-farm surveys (222 farms in six provinces), provincial-level expert group discussions, and expert consultations, covering the period 1994–2023. On-farm surveys provided the most reliable quantitative information (e.g., weights, feed intake, milk yield), while group discussions contributed regional insights on herd structure and management practices. Expert judgment was used to reconstruct historical data. Results highlight clear regional differences in dairy and beef systems and demonstrate the value of combining data sources to fill gaps required by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 methodology. The study recommends periodic data collection cycles: every 2–3 years for dairy productivity, every 3–5 years for herd structure and manure management, and immediate updates when production systems change. Implementing these recommendations will significantly improve the precision of GHG inventories in Vietnam’s livestock sector, providing a stronger evidence base for emission reporting and sustainable mitigation policies.
