Blog Sustainable Livestock Farming Practices for Resilience
Livestock farming is a cornerstone of agriculture globally, providing essential food products, livelihoods, and increasing opportunities for innovation. However, it is increasingly recognized that modern livestock farming practices – often involving mass production and intense resource use – contribute to climate change environmental degradation. However, alternatives exist, and plenty research indicates that a combination of improved livestock feed and integrated livestock farming methods could reduce the impact of livestock farming and even offer important ecosystem benefits such as the improvement of soil fertility.
Adopting and mainstreaming these practices offer the opportunity to address the increasing global demand for animal products whilst reducing the environmental impacts of industrial production, using livestock as an integral part of more sustainable farming systems that balance demand with productivity, climate change action, environmental stewardship, the protection of farmers’ livelihoods and economic viability.
In this article we will explore key sustainable livestock farming practices that contribute to resilience, ensuring that farming innovations allow agriculture to not only withstand challenges such as climate change, economic pressures, and resource constraints, but to positively contribute to facing these challenges.
A farmer in his silvopastoral grazing system in Colombia. Credit: CIAT/Neil Palmer
What is sustainable livestock farming?
In contrast to today’s conventional methods of livestock farming, sustainable livestock farming integrates environmental, social, and economic factors into animal production systems, thus minimizing negative impacts on ecosystems, conserving natural resources and increasing animal welfare. Sustainable livestock farming often revolves around the following methods that reduce pollution, conserve water, and minimize the use of chemical agricultural inputs:
Cows graze freely on a diverse natural landscape in Kenya. Credit: CIAT/Neil Palmer
Rotational grazing
Rotational grazing is a method of livestock pasture management that mimics the natural grazing patterns of wild herbivores. Instead of allowing livestock to graze continuously on the same land or feeding them with alternative feed sources, farmers following the rotational grazing method divide pastures into smaller sections (known as paddocks), and graze their animals one paddock at a time, leaving the other sections to ‘rest’, during which the forages regenerate and deepen their roots. Rotational grazing has numerous benefits, including:
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Improved soil health: Rotational grazing encourages deep root growth in the land paddocks that are resting, which enhances soil structure and water retention. By alternating rest with grazing, this method reduces soil erosion and increases the soil’s ability to absorb rainwater, making the pasture more resilient to drought whilst also fertilizing the land with the animals’ manure.
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Increased biodiversity: As different areas of the pasture are allowed to recover between grazing periods, plant diversity increases, which supports a wider range of wildlife and insect species.
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Reduced need for fertilizers: Rotational grazing naturally recycles nutrients as livestock manure is distributed more evenly across the paddocks. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, which have harmful environmental impacts such as degrading soil and polluting nearby waterways.
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Enhanced pasture productivity: Well-managed rotational grazing can improve pasture productivity, resulting in higher forage quality for livestock, leading to healthier animals and better yields of meat, milk, or wool.
For farmers, rotational grazing is a cost-effective way to improve the resilience of their land and livestock. By preventing overgrazing, this practice ensures that pastures remain productive in the long term.
Agroforestry integration:
Agroforestry is the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems, including livestock farming. Known as silvopastoral systems, land that integrates trees, forage plants and livestock provide multiple environmental and economic benefits, including:
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Improved microclimate: Trees provide shade and shelter for livestock, protecting them from extreme weather conditions such as heat and cold. This reduces heat stress in animals, improving their welfare and productivity.
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Carbon sequestration: Trees capture and store carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change. Agroforestry systems act as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon than traditional open pastures. According to a study by Nature, silvopastoral systems stored 27–163% more carbon compared to open pasturelands.
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Soil improvement: Tree roots help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. The leaf litter from trees enriches the soil with organic matter, improving fertility and water retention.
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Biodiversity: The integration of trees into livestock pasture increases biodiversity by creating habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife. This enhances the overall health of the ecosystem and can provide natural pest control.
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Diversification of income: Farmers can harvest timber, fruit, nuts, or other products from trees, providing an additional source of income alongside livestock production.
Agroforestry systems are particularly effective in tropical and subtropical regions, where trees can thrive and provide year-round benefits. However, they are also being adopted in temperate regions as part of broader efforts to increase farm resilience and sustainability, with positive results. Discover Alliance women-led initiatives to integrate trees and livestock in multiple countries here.
A farmer in Vietnam harvests livestock forages to feed to his cattle. Credit: CIAT/Georgina Smith
Reduced methane emissions
Livestock farming, particularly the production of ruminants such as cows and sheep, is responsible for significant methane emissions. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is far more potent than carbon dioxide, making it a critical target for climate mitigation efforts. However, methane emissions can be reduced through a variety of methods, including:
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Improved diets: The type of feed given to livestock can have a significant impact on the amount of methane they produce during digestion. High-quality forages, grains, and feed additives such as oils or seaweed can reduce methane emissions. For example, adding red seaweed (asparagopsis) to the diet of ruminants has been shown to reduce methane production by up to 80%. The Alliance does extensive work globally to improve and support the adoption of optimal forage varieties, which can be explored here.
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Genetic selection: Selective breeding programs are being developed to breed livestock that produce lower methane emissions per unit of production. By choosing animals with better feed efficiency and lower methane output, farmers can reduce the overall environmental impact of their herds.
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Manure management: Manure is another significant source of methane emissions, particularly when stored in anaerobic conditions. Implementing better manure management practices, such as composting or using anaerobic digesters to produce biogas, can significantly reduce methane emissions. Biogas systems capture methane from manure and convert it into renewable energy, which can be used to power farm operations or sold to the grid.
By adopting these strategies, farmers can play a critical role in mitigating climate change while improving the efficiency and productivity of their livestock farming.
Improved water management
Water is a critical resource in livestock farming, and its conservation is essential for long-term production. Livestock require significant amounts of water for drinking, cleaning, and cooling, while pastures and crops also depend on water for growth. Sustainable water management practices aim to reduce water consumption, protect water quality, and improve the efficiency of water use on farms. Key water conservation practices include:
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Efficient irrigation systems: Traditional flood irrigation systems are often wasteful, leading to significant water loss through evaporation and runoff. Sustainable farms are increasingly adopting more efficient irrigation methods, such as drip or sprinkler systems, which deliver water directly to the roots of plants. These systems reduce water waste and ensure that crops and pastures receive the precise amount of water they need.
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Rainwater harvesting: Capturing and storing rainwater for use during dry periods can help reduce reliance on external water sources. Rainwater can be collected from the roofs of buildings or specially designed catchment systems and stored in tanks for later use in watering livestock or irrigating pastures.
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Riparian buffer zones: Planting vegetation along the edges of streams and rivers can help filter runoff from pastures and prevent pollutants such as manure, fertilizers, and pesticides from entering water bodies. These buffer zones also provide habitats for wildlife and contribute to biodiversity.
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Water recycling: Implementing systems that recycle water used for cleaning and cooling livestock facilities can significantly reduce overall water consumption. For example, water used to clean milking equipment can be filtered and reused for irrigation or livestock drinking.
Sustainable water management is especially important in regions facing water scarcity or where competition for water resources is intense. By adopting these practices, livestock farmers can reduce their water footprint and ensure the long-term sustainability of their operations.
A cow rests with a bird on its back, showing animal diversity in open grazing systems. Credit: CIAT/Juan Pablo Marin García
Integrated pest management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that minimizes the use of chemical pesticides and focuses on long-term pest prevention and ecosystem health. IPM combines biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical control methods to manage pests in a way that is economically viable and environmentally sustainable. In livestock farming, pests such as flies, ticks, and worms can cause significant problems for animal health, and IPM strategies aim to control these pests while minimizing harm to the environment. Common IPM techniques in livestock farming include:
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Biological control: This involves introducing natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pest populations. For example, dung beetles can help break down livestock manure, reducing the breeding grounds for flies.
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Cultural practices: Rotating pastures, maintaining clean and dry housing, and promoting healthy soil can reduce pest problems. For example, rotating pastures disrupts the life cycle of parasites, reducing their impact on livestock.
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Mechanical controls: Physical barriers, traps, or manual removal can be effective in controlling pests. For instance, fly traps can be used around barns, while mechanical brushes can help remove ticks from livestock.
IPM not only reduces the need for harmful chemical inputs but also promotes biodiversity, improves animal welfare and supports the overall health of the farming ecosystem.
Animal welfare and its role in sustainability
Animal welfare is a critical component of sustainable livestock farming. Ensuring that animals are raised in humane conditions not only aligns with ethical standards but also contributes to farm productivity and resilience. Key practices to improve animal welfare in sustainable livestock farming include:
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Free-range and pasture-based systems: Allowing animals to roam freely in natural environments supports their physical and psychological well-being. It also enhances the nutritional and flavor quality of meat, milk, and eggs.
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Increased health through stress reduction: Minimizing animal stress through proper housing, handling, and nutrition improves immune function and reduces the need for antibiotics.
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Natural behaviors: Designing farming systems that enable animals to express natural behaviors, such as rooting, pecking, or grazing, promotes healthier and more content livestock.
Investing in animal welfare leads to better long-term productivity and consumer trust, as more people become concerned about the ethical aspects of food production. In addition to ethical considerations, improving animal welfare has several practical benefits for livestock farmers: Increasing consumer interest in more ethical practices also offers income opportunities for farmers who prioritize animal welfare.
A farmer celebrates his harvest of improved livestock forages for his silvopastoral system in Colombia. Credit: CIAT/Neil Palmer
Optimal use of technology in sustainable livestock farming
Technological innovations are playing an increasingly important role in increasing the sustainability of farming, including livestock farming practices. Technological advancements can allow farmers to monitor their animals’ wellbeing, improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Important technological advances for livestock farming include:
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Precision livestock farming: Precision farming in the context of livestock refers to the use of sensors, data analytics, and automation to monitor and manage livestock more effectively. These technological tools can track animal health, behavior and productivity in real time, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions. Precision livestock farming technologies include:
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Wearable sensors: These devices monitor vital signs such as heart rate, body temperature, and activity levels in livestock. Early detection of illness or stress allows farmers to intervene before problems escalate, reducing the need for antibiotics and improving animal welfare. Discover how the Alliance is using wearable GPS systems to track animal behavior and increase welfare here.
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Automated feeding systems: These systems use sensors to monitor individual animals' nutritional needs and deliver the right amount of feed at the right time. This reduces waste, optimizes feed efficiency, and ensures that animals receive the nutrition they need.
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Pasture monitoring: Drones or satellite imagery can be used to monitor the health and productivity of pastures, allowing farmers to optimize grazing patterns and prevent overgrazing.
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Genetic advances: Advances in genetics are enabling farmers to breed animals with traits that enhance sustainability. Selective breeding can reduce methane emissions, improve feed efficiency, and increase disease resistance. This reduces the need for antibiotics and other inputs while improving overall farm productivity. In some cases, genetic modification is being explored to produce livestock that are more resilient to environmental stressors such as heat or drought. While genetic modification remains a controversial topic, it has the potential to enhance the sustainability of livestock farming, especially in regions prone to extreme weather conditions.
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Biogas Systems: These systems capture methane from manure and convert it into renewable energy. Not only do biogas systems reduce methane emissions, but they also provide a source of renewable energy that can be used to power farm equipment or heat buildings. By incorporating renewable energy into their operations, livestock farmers can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the global transition to clean energy.
A woman feeds improved forages to her cows in Vietnam, following a training on integrated soil fertility management. Credit: CIAT/Georgina Smith
A herd of cows graze and rest amongst trees in Eastern Colombia. Credit: CIAT/Neil Palmer
Challenges and barriers to the adoption of sustainable livestock farming practices
While sustainable livestock farming practices offer numerous benefits, several challenges can hinder their widespread adoption. These include:
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Initial costs: Many sustainable practices – such as installing biogas systems or adopting precision farming technology – require significant upfront investment. With the future rewards still unknown, these initial costs may block many farmers from joining the sustainable livestock farming movement.
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Knowledge and training: Farmers may lack the technical knowledge or access to training needed to implement sustainable practices effectively, meaning that awareness of the practices laid out above does not reach all livestock farmers.
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Market access: Sustainable products often require premium markets, and many farmers may struggle to find buyers willing to pay higher prices for sustainably produced meat, milk, or eggs.
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Policy support: In many regions, agricultural policies do not provide sufficient incentives or support for farmers to transition to sustainable practices.
Despite these challenges, some governments, NGOs and private sector actors are offering increasing support in the form of grants, technical assistance and market opportunities to encourage the adoption of sustainable livestock farming practices.
A farmer transports cattle in Cambodia. Credit: CIAT/Georgina Smith
The future of sustainable livestock farming
Pig farmers in Vietnam meet to discuss the most nutritious feed mixes for their animals. Credit: CIAT/Georgina Smith
Climate change, population growth and finite natural resources demand an increasing focus on sustainability in food production. Given the growing demand for animal products globally, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture requires a radical shift away from the common industrial practices that currently dominate livestock rearing. Livestock farming practices such as rotational grazing, agroforestry, silvopastoral systems, precision agriculture, increased animal welfare and adapted forages to reduce methane emissions are essential. As explored above, sustainable livestock farming practices do more than reduce the environmental impact: they also address consumers’ interest, and offer important economic opportunities for farmers. Upscaling sustainable livestock farming is essential for a lasting food systems transformation, and to do so, collaboration between farmers, researchers, policymakers and consumers is required, offering the opportunity to create a more resilient and equitable food system.
