Graphical Abstract
Livestock production has been scrutinized as a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental damage. Recent evidence, however, indicates that managed livestock production may reduce GHG while serving as a vital dietary source of macro and micronutrients for people (Varijakshapanicker et al., 2019). Further gains in sustainable production systems may be achieved through the strategic use of genetics (Jonker et al, 2019), and/or feed supplements (Aboagye et al., 2019).
A recent paper by Capper and Cady (2019) provides an update on efficiency gains found within the dairy industry. Reductions in feedstuffs, fossil fuels and water are associated with lower nitrogen and phosphorus excretion and GHG emissions. Calculation of yield per unit of GHG results in a 25% increase in milk production supporting both a gain in efficiency while reducing environmental impacts.
References
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