Summary
This paper synthesises evidence from a global platform of research farms to identify key traits and management practices in ruminant livestock systems that could enhance sustainability under climate change. The authors argue that whilst ruminants offer food security and soil health benefits through organic matter cycling, their efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions must be addressed through targeted breeding and feeding strategies. The study collates regionally specific recommendations for optimising genetic and nutritional approaches across diverse production contexts.
UK applicability
The findings are directly applicable to UK ruminant farming systems, particularly given the prominent role of UK research institutions among the author affiliations and the inclusion of diverse temperate and grassland-based systems. The recommendations on breeding for efficiency and feed quality optimisation align with UK policy goals on sustainable intensification and net-zero agricultural targets.
Key measures
Feed conversion efficiency, methane emissions, livestock breeding traits, nutritional management strategies, soil health outcomes, nutrient density of livestock products
Outcomes reported
The study collated information from a global network of research farms representing diverse ruminant production systems and identified key genetic and nutritional approaches tailored to each system that could enhance sustainability. The research drew recommendations for optimising ruminant systems to address dual challenges of emissions mitigation and climate adaptation.
Topic tags
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