Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Livestock Production

August 24, 2024

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Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Livestock Production

Akhter Rasool

PhD Scholar, Division of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal

Corresponding author: mirakhter1312@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Livestock are domesticated animals that significantly contribute to the income of farmers worldwide. Livestock rearing is one of the most vital economic activities in rural areas, playing a notable role in the national economy. It provides income to agricultural households, including many landless families, and serves as a source of protein and energy through milk, eggs, and meat. Sustainable livestock production integrates with environmental harmony, economic profitability, and social equity. This approach involves the efficient use of natural resources like water, soil, and feed, improving feed efficiency, reproductive efficiency, and overall productivity through better animal nutrition, health care, and management practices. Innovative approaches include genetic improvement through selective breeding, sustainable pasture management, and integrated livestock farming practices. The government’s role is crucial in developing and implementing policies that support sustainable practices, provide financial incentives, and ensure fair trade. Ultimately, farmers can improve their livelihoods by conserving natural resources, enhancing animal welfare, and contributing to broader environmental and social goals. This paper discusses the key components of sustainable livestock production and innovative approaches to achieving it.

HIGHLIGHTS

This paper emphasizes on adopting innovative approaches such as precision livestock farming, genetic improvement, technology integration, integrated farming practices, and advanced animal health and welfare techniques.
Enhancing the sustainability and resilience of livestock production, supporting farmers’ livelihoods, protecting the environment, and meeting the growing global demand for animal products.

Keywords: environmental harmony; genetic selection; livestock production; sustainable production; animal health

INTRODUCTION

The livestock sector in India contributes 4.11% to the GDP and 25.6% to the total agricultural GDP. Approximately 20.5 million people depend on livestock for their livelihood, and it provides employment to about 8.8% of the population. According to the 20th Livestock Census, the total livestock population is 536.76 million, showing an increase of 4.8% over the previous census. The total bovine population (cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak) is 303.76 million, while the total number of milch animals (in-milk and dry cows and buffaloes) is 125.75 million. The sheep and goat populations are 74.26 million and 148.88 million, respectively. The total poultry population is 851.81 million (20th Livestock Census-All India Report).

Various factors influence farmers to adopt sustainable livestock rearing. Income directly affects farmers’ investment in farming activities, with revenue obtained from crops, livestock, and other sources. Exposure to various media (newspapers, audio-visuals, etc.) helps farmers acquire the latest information on livestock farming, dairy farming, market trends, and government policies. Additionally, extension agencies, such as the training and visit systems of state agriculture departments and state animal husbandry departments, play a crucial role in providing various extension activities and support (Kumar et al., 2015). The components of sustainable livestock production are illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1: Key Components of Sustainable Livestock Production

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is paramount in livestock rearing, focusing on the efficient use of natural resources like water, food, and soil. Proper handling and recycling of animal waste are essential to minimize pollution and promote soil fertility. Techniques such as composting manure and using anaerobic digesters to convert waste into biogas and organic fertilizer are effective. Livestock is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane produced from enteric fermentation, which contributes to climate change (Frank et al., 2018). Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock can be achieved through improved feed efficiency. Instead of burning crop residues, which contributes to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, their nutritive value and digestibility can be improved and used as animal feed through chopping and chemical treatment with urea, thereby minimizing the environmental footprint (Kabange et al., 2023). Integrative livestock farming, which combines livestock and crop production, is also beneficial. This includes using crop residues as animal feed and utilizing farm animal manure as fertilizer to improve soil health and fertility thereby, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Practices like rotational grazing prevent overgrazing and soil degradation, while optimizing water use reduces waste. Additionally, solid waste management is crucial for the sustainable management of agricultural waste (Hoornweg and Bhada-Tata, 2012). These methods collectively contribute to environmental and pasture sustainability.

Animal Health and Production

For sustainable increases in animal productivity in an environmentally safe, clean, and ethical manner, animal health and management are of paramount importance. This includes maintaining high standards of animal health and welfare, ensuring proper nutrition for maintenance and production (meat or milk), suitable housing, and access to veterinary care (Odongo et al., 2010).

Controlling infectious diseases in livestock is crucial for sustainability as they can cause significant losses. Prioritizing disease control includes using vaccines for diseases like Rabies, Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), and Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS). Implementing proper control and preventive measures is essential to maintain overall animal health (Kaasschieter et al., 1992). These measures not only protect individual animals but also contribute to the sustainability and productivity of the entire livestock sector.

Real-time monitoring of animal health is crucial, achieved through implementing wearable devices and smart tags to track animal health parameters and behavior. This enables early detection of diseases and optimizes feeding strategies. Utilizing sensors, automated systems, and data analytics plays a key role in monitoring and managing livestock health, nutrition, and productivity. For instance, technologies like the DeLaval Herd Navigator™ have been developed to enable progressive dairy farmers to proactively manage their herd. This system provides precise analysis of milk, allowing farmers to develop an action plan for each cow and the herd. This leads to improved farm profitability through enhanced reproduction results and lower health costs, addressing concerns such as ketosis management, mastitis management, and successful feed efficiency management (Mazeris, 2010). Implementing these advanced technologies and management practices ensures not only improved animal productivity but also contributes to sustainable and ethical livestock farming practices.

Genetic improvement

In sustainable livestock production, Genetic Improvement through selective breeding, cross breeding, genomic selection, assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), and genetic engineering can significantly enhance livestock production. Genomic selection, based on genomic breeding values, has the potential to double the rate of genetic gain in the dairy industry (Hayes et al., 2009). For example, the Sahiwal breed can be effectively utilized for milk production, while N’Dama cattle are renowned for their trypanotolerance and resilience to helminths and tick-borne diseases (Dwinger et al., 1992; Murray et al., 1991). To conserve indigenous breeds, selective breeding and the use of nucleus breeding herds are appropriate strategies. Genetic engineering and gene transfer offer possibilities for disease resistance and increased productivity in farm animals. Transgenic livestock for food production and cloning techniques could dramatically change livestock production. In addition to that, feed and forages can be qualitatively and quantitatively improved, particularly in mixed livestock and crop farming systems. Technological interventions like fodder banks and the introduction of forage legumes into crop rotations can break crop disease cycles, provide nitrogen through atmospheric fixation, increase soil organic matter, and reduce soil erosion by improving ground cover (Kaasschieter et al., 1992).

Policy and Institutional Support

In sustainable livestock farm production, the government plays a crucial role in formulating policies that incentivize adopting sustainable practices. Some of the government programs and policies launched so far include the National Livestock Mission, which focuses on breed improvement, healthcare, and fodder production. The National Livestock Insurance Scheme provides insurance coverage to livestock owners against risks like natural calamities, diseases, or accidents. Additionally, the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) aims to incentivize investments in livestock infrastructure by various entities such as individual entrepreneurs, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and dairy and meat processing industries.

Major practices for sustainable production include awareness training programs and extension services to educate farmers about sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and efficient management strategies. Promoting community-based livestock management initiatives encourages knowledge sharing, collective action, and sustainable resource use. Collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders, and farmers is essential to develop and implement innovative solutions tailored to local conditions. Pilot projects are also crucial for testing and refining innovative approaches, with successful models scaled up for broader adoption. These efforts collectively contribute to sustainable livestock farm production and environmental conservation.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Some major challenges in sustainable livestock production stem from the increasing global population, which strains available resources. The global demand for livestock products is projected to double by 2050, posing significant challenges in feeding this large population amidst changing climatic conditions (Mahesh and Mohini, 2014; Hoque et al., 2022). The livestock sector currently contributes around 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions (Kabange et al., 2023; Steinfeld et al., 2006). However, several strategies have been proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, focusing on changes in feeding, breeding, and management practices (Frank et al., 2018; Llonch et al., 2017). Overall, addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts between policymakers, researchers, industry stakeholders, and farmers to promote sustainable practices, enhance awareness, and develop innovative solutions for the livestock sector.

CONCLUSION

The livestock sector in India plays a crucial role in the economy, contributing significantly to production, value addition, and export of livestock products. Innovative approaches such as precision livestock farming, genetic improvement, technology integration, integrated farming practices, and advanced techniques in animal health and welfare are being adopted to create a more sustainable and resilient livestock production system. These approaches aim to support farmers’ livelihoods, protect the environment, and meet the growing global demand for animal products. Despite various challenges, collaborative efforts involving policymakers, government organizations, community-based approaches, and extension programs are essential for enhancing sustainability in livestock farming. By addressing challenges like increasing global demand, resource constraints, greenhouse gas emissions, and recent technological awareness, the livestock sector can continue to thrive while contributing to economic development and environmental conservation.