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Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Grassland and Pasture Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 October 2022) | Viewed by 35538

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. M. Jordana Rivero

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Guest Editor

Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2SB, UK
Interests: grazing strategies; pasture management; beef cattle; sheep; breeding objectives; multispecies swards; sustainability of grazing systems

Dr. Mary Bridget Lynch

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Guest Editor

Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. Y35 Y521, Ireland
Interests: agronomic impacts on water quality; catchment science; evaluation of multispecies swards for livestock systems; grazing management for grass-based dairy production; knowledge transfer of grassland science; alternative pasture species

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ruminant livestock are a vital source globally for high-quality food to support healthy dietary choices through the provision of milk and meat products from less productive land and food industry byproducts. In particular, ruminant livestock forage-based systems play a relevant role on the circular bioeconomy of our planetary system. These systems provide protein‐rich and safe food for humans together with several essential micronutrients not found in products of plant origin; regulate the ecological cycles by recycling biomass from humanly inedible resources, maintaining grassland acreage and using manure as a bio‐resource; contribute to a more efficient agriculture by valorising food chain byproducts thanks to efficient and robust animals adapted to new feed sources and the maintenance of soil organic matter content and fertility; provide renewable energy such as biogas from biomass and manure; and provide non‐provisioning ecosystem services linked to the vitality of territories, employment in rural area, landscape and biodiversity preservation, and cultural heritage. On the other hand, livestock systems also exert negative impacts such as environmental pollution, competition between food and feed, land degradation, emergence of zoonosis, animal welfare issues, and ethical issues related to changes in sociocultural values.

Sustainability has three dimensions: economic, environmental, and societal. Therefore, when assessing the sustainability of ruminant livestock forage-based systems, there are different factors to consider in the process. This Special Issue will publish original research papers and reviews that investigate ways of assessing this variety of production systems in any of the dimensions of sustainability.

Dr. M. Jordana Rivero
Dr. Mary Bridget Lynch
Guest Editors

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Keywords

crop-livestock systems
grazing livestock systems
silvopastoral systems
greenhouse gas emissions
water quality
nutrient use efficiency
soil health
biodiversity

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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18 pages, 1580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cow Urine Nitrogen Rates and Moisture Conditions on Nitrogen Mineralization in Andisol from Southern Chile

by Magdalena Ramírez-Sandoval, Dante Pinochet, M. Jordana Rivero and Laura M. Cardenas

Agronomy 2023, 13(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13010010 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2564

Abstract

Urea present in cattle urine contributes large amounts of nitrogen (N) to grazed pastures, which can be the equivalent to approximately 1000 kg N ha⁻¹. However, there are no studies in volcanic soils of southern Chile on the effect of different concentrations of urinary N deposited in the soil, nor of the effect different wetting and drying conditions mimicking the variation in weather conditions on the nitrification process from urea to NH₄⁺ and total oxidized nitrogen (TON) over time. In addition, the inhibition of nitrification driven by the accumulation of NH₃ at high rates of N applied to Andisol has not been evaluated. Fresh cattle urine was applied at three different rates of N equivalent to 247 kg N ha⁻¹ (Low N), 461 kg N ha⁻¹ (Medium N), and 921 kg N ha⁻¹ (High N), as well as deionized water as a control. Further, three moisture conditions were imposed: constant moisture (CM), drying–rewetting (DRW) cycles at 7-day intervals, and soil drying (SD). Destructive soil core samples were evaluated for top and bottom halves individually every 7 days over a 36-day period to measure changes on inorganic N and pH. There were no interaction effects for N rates and soil moisture. The main effect of the different rates of N on mineralization was significant throughout the incubation period, while the effect of the different moisture conditions was variable over time. High N was associated with elevated NH₃ concentrations and could explain why total N mineralization was partially inhibited. These results suggest that the presence of different nitrifying microorganisms in soil under different chemical and physical conditions determines nitrification, and thus, the oxidation of ammonia should be studied in more detail as the first step of nitrification, specifically in volcanic soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

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19 pages, 1981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Management and Productivity of Key Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems in Uruguay: The Palo a Pique Long-Term Experiment’s Third Phase

by Fabiana Pereyra-Goday, Pablo Rovira, Walter Ayala and M. Jordana Rivero

Agronomy 2022, 12(12), 3023; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12123023 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1974

Abstract

Integrated Crop Livestock Systems (ICLSs) use productive diversification as a strategy to improve productivity and land use efficiency. Pasture Crop Rotations are a part of ICLSs and imply a pasture phase included in the sequence of crops. The main reasons to include pastures in crop systems are low productivity of natural grasslands and increased crop yield after a pasture phase. Our objective was to analyze the productivity indicators and management of four ICLSs that combine crop and livestock production, with data collected over a 3 y period (2019–2022). The experimental site was The Palo a Pique (Treinta y Tres, Uruguay) long-term experiment installed in 1995, located in the subtropical climate zone and on Oxyaquic Argiudolls soils (3% average slope). Systems evaluated were CC (continuous cropping), SR (two years idem CC, two years of pastures), LR (two years idem CC, four years of pastures) and FR (continuous pasture with Tall Fescue). Liveweight (LW) production, grain production and dry matter (DM) production were evaluated. Liveweight production was higher in CC and SR (426 and 418 kg LW/ha) than in LR (369 kg LW/ha) and FR (310 kg LW/ha). DM production was higher in FR and SR (6867 and 5763 kg DM/ha/year) than in LR (5399 kg DM/ha/year) and CC (5206 kg DM/ha/year). Grain production was 10%, 16% and 9% lower in soybean, wheat and sorghum in CC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

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21 pages, 1958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Intensified Pasture Systems Reduce Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle in the Atlantic Forest Biome?

by Paulo Meo-Filho, Alexandre Berndt, José R. M. Pezzopane, André F. Pedroso, Alberto C. C. Bernardi, Paulo H. M. Rodrigues, Ives C. S. Bueno, Rosana R. Corte and Patrícia P. A. Oliveira

Agronomy 2022, 12(11), 2738; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12112738 - 4 Nov 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2216

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different pasture systems on beef steers’ performance, dry matter intake, enteric methane emission, carcass production, forage quality, and animal production per hectare (ha). The trial was conducted at Embrapa Southeast Livestock, São Carlos/SP, Brazil. Sixty Cachim beef steers (5/8 Charolais × 3/8 Zebu) with initial liveweights of 255 ± 7 kg were evaluated for two years under five different grazing production systems (EXT = Extensive; INT = Intensive; iCL = Integrated crop livestock; iCLF = Integrated crop livestock forest; iLF = Integrated livestock forest). The final liveweight was greater (p < 0.05) for the animals under the INT and iCL systems (484 ± 51 and 466 ± 79 kg, respectively) compared to animals in the iCLF, iLF and EXT systems (416 ± 57, 414 ± 50 and 429 ± 48 kg). The dry matter intake was significantly greater under the EXT system than it was under the iCL system (9.8 ± 2.1 and 7.5 ± 2.9 kg day⁻¹). Regarding the emission intensity in relation to the liveweight gain per unit area (g CH₄ kg LWG⁻¹ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹), it differed significantly among the systems (EXT = 1.6; INT = 0.6; iCL = 0.8; ICLF = 1.1; ILF = 0.7). Similarly, the methane emission intensity differed in relation to the carcass production (kg CH₄ kg⁻¹ carcass; EXT = 0.496; INT = 0.250; iCL = 0.297; iCLF = 0.345; iLF = 0.286). Beef cattle that are raised in intensive and/or integrated pasture systems have a greater availability of forage mass and nutrients than those that are raised extensively. Pasture systems that undergo soil pH correction and fertilization, rotational grazing and/or integrated with maize cropping produce animals with greater average daily gain and final liveweights, thereby lessening the enteric methane emissions per kg of weight gain. In these systems, the efficiency in terms of the gain per land area is also greater, however, the systems that are integrated with a forest component (iLF and iCLF) are equal to that of the EXT system. The same pattern is observed in the intensity of the methane emission as for the efficiency of the animal gain per unit of land area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

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12 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Partitioning of Dairy Heifers Grazing Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) or Pasture Brome (Bromus valdivianus Phil.) Swards during Spring

by Ignacio E. Beltran, Daniel Tellez, Jaime Cabanilla, Oscar Balocchi, Rodrigo Arias and Juan Pablo Keim

Agronomy 2022, 12(8), 1953; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12081953 - 18 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1874

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of grazing Lolium perenne (Lp) and Bromus valdivianus (Bv) on the average daily weight gain (ADG) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of Holstein Friesian heifers. Thirty heifers strip-grazed two pasture treatments (Lp and Bv) under a randomized complete block design (n = 3). Nutrient concentration and pasture intake were determined. Urine samples were taken, and the total volume of urine and microbial growth were estimated. Retained nitrogen (N), N intake, N excreted in feces and urine and the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were calculated. Lolium perenne showed greater WSC and ME but lower NDF than Bv, whereas crude and soluble protein were unaffected. There were no effects of species on ADG or feed conversion, and DMI was not affected by grass species, or the synthesis of microbial protein and purine derivatives. Ammonia in the rumen, urinary N and total N excreted were greater for heifers grazing Bv. In conclusion, the consumption of forage species did not alter the ADG or NUE of grazing heifers, but N partitioning was modified for heifers grazing Bv, due to the lower WSC/CP ratio compared with Lp. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

17 pages, 1568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Different Pastures Implemented as a Management Strategy for Climate Change

by Marta Alfaro, Sara Hube, Francisco Salazar, Ignacio Beltrán, Marion Rodriguez, Luis Ramírez and Surinder Saggar

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051097 - 30 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2536

Abstract

The increase in global average temperature has significant implications for food security and agriculture production. Grass species adapted to new climate scenarios are essential for the success of livestock production. The aim of this study was to evaluate different forage species, providing animal feed during critical dry periods as an adaptation strategy for livestock grazing systems, and its implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The field experiment was conducted during September 2015 to September 2017, with four treatments (n = 5, completely randomized block design), including two perennial forages, Bromus valdivianus (Bromus), Lotus corniculatus (Lotus), alone and in a mixture pasture (Br/L). As a control treatment, the forage species commonly seeded by the farmer was used (hybrid ryegrasses + Oat, Control). One-half of the plots was used for nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) measurements, and the remaining half for destructive soil and forage sampling. Gas fluxes were measured using the static chambers technique. Cumulative emissions of N–N₂O, C–CH₄ and CO_2−eq were not affected by treatments, averaging 1.7 kg N–N₂O ha⁻¹, 3.2 kg C–CH₄ ha⁻¹ and 635.5 kg CO₂ ha⁻¹, respectively (p > 0.05). However, emission intensity tended to be lower for Br/L compared with other treatments (p = 0.06) during the second year, while pasture yield was greater for Br/L (p < 0.05). The control showed a greater average pasture yield (first and second years) compared to other treatments, with the highest metabolizable energy and the lowest crude protein content. Our results suggest that a mix pasture Br/L as a management strategy would promote farm adaptation, given that it favors pasture yield at critical dry periods during the year. This inclusion also reduces N–N₂O emissions from grassland soils as well as favoring C–CH₄ capture. Our study determined that N–N₂O and C–CH₄ emissions were regulated by soil variables, mainly soil moisture and soil temperature. Extension and knowledge transfer should be provided to farmers to account for potential adoption barriers, such as low short-term yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

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14 pages, 1530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Dynamics and Nitrogen Absorption by a Natural Grassland under Cow Urine and Dung Patches in an Andisol in Southern Chile

by Magdalena Ramírez-Sandoval, Dante Pinochet and M. Jordana Rivero

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030719 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2355

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess N dynamics in the soil, and the response in regard to dry matter yield (DM yield; kg·DM·ha⁻¹), N yield (g·N·m⁻²) and N concentration (g·N·kg⁻¹ DM) under urine patches and dung pats and in the affected zone of the grassland soil over 304 days. The amount of N under the urine and dung patches increased until day 10 and then started to decrease until the end of the experiment, reaching control treatment levels. The DM yield in the urine patch zone and the 0–10 cm zone around the dung pat was higher than in the control treatment throughout the evaluated period, while in the 0–30 cm zone around the urine patch and the 10–20 cm zone around the dung pat the DM yield was negatively affected by the application of excreta. The maximum accumulated N yield was up to two times higher than the control in the 0–10 cm zone of the dung pat, while the mean concentration of N throughout the period was 42% higher than the control for the “urine patch” zone and 47% higher in the 0–10 cm area around the dung pat. The total absorbed N was 19% and 15% for urine and dung excreta, respectively. Further research is needed to explain the variables that might affect the results obtained, and it is necessary to evaluate the botanical composition as a factor that contributes to this effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

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12 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Two Species of Leucaena on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation, Methane Production and Post-ruminal Protein Supply in Diets Based on Urochloa hybrid cv. Cayman

by Xiomara Gaviria-Uribe, Joaquín Castro-Montoya, Diana María Bolívar, Isabel Molina-Botero, Ngonidzashe Chirinda, Uta Dickhoefer, Rolando Barahona and Jacobo Arango

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030629 - 4 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2859

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of the inclusion of two different Leucaena species as a source of condensed tannins based on in vitro fermentation, methane production and post-ruminal protein supply in a diet based on Urochloa hybrid cv. Cayman CIAT BR02/1752 grass. Under in vitro conditions, Leucaena leucocephala CIAT 17263 and Leucaena diversifolia ILRI 15551 were incubated in two proportions (25% and 50% w/w) with Cayman grass and with/without polyethylene glycol as a tannin-binder. The results show that substrates with Leucaena diversifolia produced less gas and methane than those with Leucaena leucocephala with and without polyethylene glycol. The mass in undegraded feed + solid associated microbes fraction decreased linearly with increasing level of inclusion of both species of Leucaena, while increasing its nitrogen content. It is concluded that the condensed tannins of Leucaena diversifolia possess the superior activity and that the tannin content of both evaluated Leucaenas did not affect the diet degradation, and reductions in post-ruminal protein did not occur in the present study. Further studies are needed to differentiate the tannins present in different Leucaena species and their dietary effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

13 pages, 984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants for Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption of Improved Forages in Dairy Production Systems: The Case of Tanga Region, Tanzania

by Hycenth Tim Ndah, Johannes Schuler, Vandoline N. Nkwain, Beatus Nzogela, Walter Mangesho, Richard Mollel, Rose Loina, Peter Zander and Birthe K. Paul

Agronomy 2022, 12(2), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020305 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3331

Abstract

Dairy productivity in sub-Saharan Africa remains below its potential, while there is an increasing demand for milk from its growing population. This study focuses on the adoption potential of improved, more nutritive and productive forages by smallholder farmers in the Tanga region of Tanzania. By applying a qualitative mixed-method approach, including farm visits, interviews and a multi-stakeholder workshop guided by the Qualitative Assessment Tool for Forage Technologies (QATo-FT), we systematically identify and analyse the roles of the (i) institutional and political, (ii) socio-economic and (iii) cultural factors influencing the adoption and diffusion of improved forage technologies. The findings reveal the unsuitable cool climate and unfavourable socioeconomic conditions, including low labour opportunity costs in the dry season as critical reasons for the low current adoption rate. However, a positive community attitude, the recognised ecological benefits and the supporting role of promoting institutions are the main influencing factors of a high adoption potential. Yet, the political and institutional framework at the regional level, as well as the market conditions, negatively influence the adoption potential. We suggest an integrated approach for rural development that goes beyond the improvement of yields, but provides more efficient use of land and labour in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

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15 pages, 1104 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methane Mitigation Potential of Foliage of Fodder Trees Mixed at Two Levels with a Tropical Grass

by Sara Stephanie Valencia-Salazar, Guillermo Jiménez-Ferrer, Isabel Cristina Molina-Botero, Juan Carlos Ku-Vera, Ngonidzashe Chirinda and Jacobo Arango

Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010100 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2734

Abstract

Enteric methane (CH₄) emitted by ruminant species is known as one of the main greenhouse gases produced by the agricultural sector. The objective of this study was to assess the potential the potential for CH₄ mitigation and additionally the chemical composition, in vitro gas production, dry matter degradation (DMD), digestibility and CO₂ production of five tropical tree species with novel forage potential including: Spondias mombin, Acacia pennatula, Parmentiera aculeata, Brosimum alicastrum and Bursera simaruba mixed at two levels of inclusion (15 and 30%) with a tropical grass (Pennisetum purpureum). The forage samples were incubated for 48 h, and a randomized complete block design was used. Crude protein content was similar across treatments (135 ± 42 g kg⁻¹ DM), while P. purpureum was characterized by a high content of acid detergent fiber (335.9 g kg⁻¹ DM) and B. simaruba by a high concentration of condensed tannins (20 g kg⁻¹ DM). Likewise, A. pennatula and P. aculeata were characterized by a high content of cyanogenic glycosides and alkaloids respectively. Treatments SM30-PP70 (30% S. mombin + 70% P. purpureum) and BA30-PP70 (30% B. alicastrum + 70% P. purpureum) resulted in superior degradability at 48h than P. purpureum, while in the AP30-PP70 (30% A. pennatula + 70% P. purpureum) was lower than the control treatment (p ≤ 0.05). At 24 and 48 h, treatments that contained P. aculeata and B. alicastrum yield higher CH₄ mL g⁻¹ DOM than P. purpureum (p ≤ 0.05). The inclusion of these forage species had no statistical effect on the reduction of CH₄ emissions per unit of DM incubated or degraded at 24 and 48 h with respect to P. purpureum although reductions were observed. The use of fodders locally available is an economic and viable strategy for the mitigation of the environmental impact generated from tropical livestock systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

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17 pages, 1605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Intake and Its Partition on Urine, Dung and Products of Dairy and Beef Cattle in Chile

by Ignacio E. Beltran, Ivan Calvache, Rocio Cofre, Francisco Salazar, Juan P. Keim, Alvaro Morales, Ruben G. Pulido and Marta Alfaro

Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010015 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4274

Abstract

Nitrogen that is excreted through the urine and dung of cattle is an important source of nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions. In Chile, several studies have evaluated nitrogen (N) intake and its partitioning into urine and dung from beef and dairy cattle, however, there are no studies collating all data into one central database, which would allow an estimation of N excretion and its key variables to be developed. The aim of this study was to determine the N partition (milk or meat, urine and dung) and variables influencing the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and urinary N excretion of cattle based on a database generated from Chilean studies. The search of studies was carried out using a keyword list in different web-based platforms. Nitrogen excretion into urine and dung was calculated using equations reported in the literature for beef and dairy cattle. Mixed models were used to identify variables influencing the N partitioning. Nitrogen intake and its partitioning into the animal product, urine and dung were higher for dairy compared to beef cattle. For dairy cattle, NUE was influenced by milk yield, the non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC)/crude protein ratio, acid detergent fiber intake and milk urea N (MUN), while urinary N excretion was influenced by milk yield, MUN and NFC intake. For beef cattle, N intake and its excretion were greater for grazing compared to the confined system, while NUE was greater for confined animals. This database supplies new information on N intake and its partitioning (milk, meat, urine and dung) for dairy and beef cattle, which can be used for the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from pasture-based livestock in Chile. Additionally, our study supplies new information on nutritional variables determining NUE and urinary N excretion for dairy cattle, which can be used by farmers to reduce N excretion into the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

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Review

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9 pages, 240 KiB

Open AccessReview

Production of Meat and Milk from Grass in the United Kingdom

by Robert Barbour, Richard H. Young and J. Michael Wilkinson

Agronomy 2022, 12(4), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12040914 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2986

Abstract

Grassland accounts for a high proportion of the agricultural area of the United Kingdom, but the significance of its contribution to the nation’s food supply has been questioned. Using representative figures for the composition of UK ruminant livestock diets, we estimated the total production of human-edible protein from grass and forage crops consumed by cattle and sheep. We found that this equates to 21.5 g of protein per person per day, of which 15.2 g comes from milk, 4.71 g from beef and 1.60 g from sheep meat. This represents 45% of the total amount of human-edible animal protein produced in the UK (46.6 g/head) and is equivalent to one-third of the recommended adult human daily protein intake of 64 g/head. Given the growing pressure to produce food in a more resource-efficient manner, grasslands have a valuable role to play in providing food alongside multiple public goods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

12 pages, 2267 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Case for Grazing Dairy Cows

by J. Michael Wilkinson, A. Thomas Chamberlain and M. Jordana Rivero

Agronomy 2021, 11(12), 2466; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122466 - 3 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3760

Abstract

The case for grazing dairy cows at pasture is reviewed in six categories: (i) optimal land use for food production; (ii) soil carbon sequestration; (iii) carbon footprint; (iv) animal health and welfare; (v) effects on human health of milk produced from grazed pasture; and (vi) consumer demand for milk from grazed cows. Land best-suited to grazing is uncultivatable peaty soil receiving relatively low levels of fertilisation. With soil carbon sequestration, carbon footprint is lower for grazing than for other systems of milk production. Some indices of animal health and welfare (e.g., lameness, status of hock integument) are influenced positively by extent of grazing. Benefits to human health may accrue from higher levels of essential amino acids, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid in milk from cows given pasture compared to diets based on silage and concentrates. Milk producers, processors and supermarkets are responding to consumer demand for milk and milk products from cows given access to pasture during the grazing season. The major constraint to milk production from grazing is energy intake. Research opportunities to address this constraint include application of remote sensing and artificial intelligence to grazing management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Sustainability of Ruminant Livestock Forage-Based Systems)

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