Sustainable intensification of livestock production on pastures

Abstract

Growing human population and limited natural resources require a sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems. The ‘green revolution’ was successful in increasing world food production, but unintended consequences, including pollution of groundwater, soil erosion, climate change, and intensive use of agrochemicals, left a large footprint in the environment. Sustainable livestock intensification (SLI) implies greater productivity and more efficient use of natural resources, reducing the impact of livestock systems in the environment. Approaches to reach this goal include diversification of plant species and plant functional groups, multiple ruminant species, improvement in feeding techniques and grazing management, plant breeding for improved nutrient use efficiency, integrated crop-livestock systems, and silvopasture systems. Greater use of forage legumes appears to be an opportunity for SLI in extensive C4 grass-based pastureland commonly found in vast areas of Latin America. Grasslands in the 21st century will also be valued for multiple services they provide to humankind, and mechanisms of payment for these services are needed. A more ‘holistic’ approach will improve the social and economic sustainability of livestock systems. Achieving long-term sustainability must match short-term profits. Diversification of the products and services provided by grassland ecosystems is key to reach SLI in the near future.