How much more carbon does beef produce than chicken?

Per kg of protein: Beef (average): 295 kg CO2e/kg protein. Pork: 57 kg CO2e/kg protein. Chicken: 52 kg CO2e/kg protein. Eggs: 37 kg CO2e/kg protein. Fish (farmed): 28 kg CO2e/kg protein. Tofu: 3.5 kg CO2e/kg protein.

Why does beef have such a high carbon footprint?

Cattle produce methane through enteric fermentation (belching): 70-120 kg CH4/year per animal (equivalent to 2-3.5 tonnes CO2e). Pasture land use (often on deforested land) adds significant carbon debt. Feed conversion ratio 6-10:1 means much grain energy lost vs chicken at 2:1.

Is grass-fed beef more carbon intensive than grain-fed?

Grass-fed beef often has higher total emissions than grain-fed because animals take longer to reach slaughter weight (more lifetime methane emissions) despite no grain feed required. However, grass-fed on improved pasture with better soil carbon management can reduce net emissions.

Beef vs Chicken Carbon Per kg Protein Calculator

Compare greenhouse gas emissions per kg of edible protein between beef, chicken, pork, fish, eggs, legumes, and plant proteins. Normalize by nutritional equivalence.

2D stress state at a point. All stresses in MPa.

σx — Normal Stress X (MPa)

σy — Normal Stress Y (MPa)

τxy — Shear Stress (MPa)

⚙ Mechanical Note: Results are based on standard textbook formulas and ISO/AASHTO references. Always verify critical designs with applicable codes (ISO 898, AASHTO 1993, AISC, Eurocode 3) and a qualified engineer.

How to Use

Enter the values for the scenario you are assessing. Compare greenhouse gas emissions per kg of edible protein between beef, chicken, pork, fish, eggs, legumes, and plant proteins. Normalize by nutritional equivalence. Use the beef vs chicken carbon result to inform your calculation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much more carbon does beef produce than chicken?

Why does beef have such a high carbon footprint?

Is grass-fed beef more carbon intensive than grain-fed?