Quantifying the Contributing Potential of European Grasslands to Food Protein and Organic Manure in a Circular Food System

Summary

ABSTRACT This paper evaluates the role of grasslands in a circular food system in Europe by assessing the animal‐sourced food and manure production potential of a grass‐fed dual‐purpose cattle system. A computational model integrated grassland yield estimates, livestock productivity data, and nitrogen balance calculations. Two scenarios, varying in calf fattening duration, were analysed to explore their impacts on livestock numbers, protein production, and nutrient cycling, with the aim of assessing different levels of meat production from grassland. Transitioning to a solely grass‐fed dual‐purpose cattle system reduces bovine numbers across most European countries. However, despite fewer animals, dual‐purpose production can increase bovine protein production in some countries, such as Fra