What greenhouse gas is released into the atmosphere as a result of raising domestic livestock such as cattle?

Raising domestic livestock, particularly cattle, is a significant source of methane emissions. Methane is produced during the digestive processes of these animals through a process known as enteric fermentation. When cattle and other ruminants digest food, they generate methane in their stomachs, which is then expelled into the atmosphere primarily through belching. This gas is much more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of its greenhouse effect, being more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a short time frame.

While livestock operations can also be connected to other greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide—mainly from manure management or land use changes—the most direct and prominent greenhouse gas emitted during the raising of cattle is methane, making it the correct choice for this question.