The development of the livestock in our country has a direct impact in economic, social and environmental modifications . Livestock and in particulary Ruminant animals are the principal source of emissions because they produce the most methane per unit of feed consumed. (FAO 2006) The present study aims to estimate methane emission inventories from enteric fermentation and manure management for domestic livestock in Albania (Shkodra region), using Tier 1 methane emission factors of IPCC (2006) and regional population of each species of domestic livestock in 17 commune.  Total methane emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management for domestic livestock in Shkodra region in Albania in 2009 were estimated to be 3638.16 ton per year, with a carbon dioxide equivalent of 76401.36 ton/year when assuming the global warming potential of methane being 25 times that of carbon dioxide. The majority of methane emission was derived from enteric fermentation (82%). cattle were the largest emitter (87.25% of total emission), followed by sheep and pigs (4%), goats (3%).These results indicate that enteric fermentation of ruminant animals, especially for dairy cattle, is the major area in research for development of mitigation strategies to reduce methane emissions from domestic livestock in Albania .

livestock, emission methane, animal waste, dairy cattle, sheep, pigs, potential biogas

Presentation: oral