434 Livestock systems forage research: agronomy in and beyond the paddock.

Abstract

The goal of forage agronomy research seems simple: provide livestock with year-round feed derived from plants. Plants, however, are only one component within livestock systems research. Forage selection and management depend on climate, hydrology, soils, animal species’ or breed nutrition, markets, societal priorities, and myriad other factors that dictate which species to focus, how to manage them and where these fit into livestock systems. Historical fissures among these disciplines impeded forage agronomy. Past forage agronomists simply addressed livestock nutritional bottlenecks that limited animal production. Ever greater plant yields and nutritive values were almost all that mattered. This often led to a reductionist approach with a consequent decline in perceived importance of forage research. The current generation of forage agronomists has slowly come to understand that cooperation with other disciplines is essential for pasture research design and interpretation. The gradual rehabilitation of forage legume condensed tannins from bane to asset within paddocks is a case in point as their role in plant persistence or beneficial secondary effects on livestock are better understood. Forage agronomy research and ruminant nutrition that focus long-term livestock systems are even more complex. Identifying and resolving future agronomic forage challenges before they occur requires insights unfettered by disciplinary blinders. For example, increasing pressure to mitigate greenhouse gas coupled with low animal performance in grazing systems trigger questions about how livestock contribute to global warming, further undermining livestock and forage sciences if not addressed. Future forage agronomic research might address these concerns by developing sustainable, resilient production systems that not only feed a growing population but also provide multiple benefits including environmental or social services. Forage livestock research teams populated by generalists or teams able to see under, in, and beyond the paddock will more likely contribute to resolving future agronomic challenges.