Feeding Cows for Climate: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Tropical Dairy Systems in Indonesia and Costa Rica

Milk production is essential for food security and livelihoods in tropical regions, but growing demand is increasing greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farms. This thesis explores how feeding strategies for dairy cows can reduce these emissions in countries such as Indonesia and Costa Rica. The findings show that improving how and what cows are fed can lower emissions per kilogram of milk. The research also demonstrates that modelling approaches can effectively estimate emissions, making them useful tools for farmers and policymakers. However, not all strategies are equally affordable or easy to implement. The study highlights that successful adoption will depend on supportive policies and a balance between environmental benefits and economic realities. Overall, improved feeding practices offer a promising pathway to make tropical dairy farming more climate-friendly without compromising productivity.