Pasture vs. Feedlot Production: Environmental, Economic, and Animal Welfare Considerations

Dear Colleagues,

Animal production plays a vital role in ensuring global food security by providing quality protein to a constantly growing world population. Alongside this increase in demand, there is also growing consumer concern about the origin and production methods of food, which has significantly influenced animal production practices and paradigms. Furthermore, the sector is under increasing pressure from global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, biodiversity loss and the need to ensure the sustainability of agricultural systems.

While there is often debate about whether to raise animals outdoors or in feedlots, one of the main objectives of any production method is efficient production. However, producing more with less is no longer enough. A holistic approach that integrates productivity, animal welfare, environmental sustainability and economic viability is required. The future of animal production depends on our ability to balance these elements, ensuring safe and sustainable food, preserving natural resources, and, at the same time, ensuring profitability, employment, and the development of rural communities.

This Special Issue focuses on this topic, so we aim to bring together the most recent studies addressing aspects of animal production in pasture-based and/or feedlot systems. We especially welcome papers exploring topics such as animal welfare, productivity, feed efficiency, economic and environmental factors, the sustainability of production systems, the rational use of natural resources and technological innovation in livestock management.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Ana Geraldo
Prof. Dr. Alfredo Manuel Franco Pereira
Dr. Emanuel Carreira
Dr. Flávio Silva
Guest Editors

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