Abstract
Understanding the complex interactions between livestock and the environment is key in the current global context, although the wide diversity of these interactions in the different production systems needs a local approach. In ruminant production systems, ongoing research is focused on quantification of both negative and positive environmental impacts, developing adaptation and mitigation strategies to reduce the former, through increased efficiency and reduced inputs and emissions, and enhancing the later. In extensive conditions, both aims can be achieved by adapting livestock management to the provision of natural foraging resources throughout the year, yet fulfilling other societal demands like the provision of market-oriented products. In this framework, a series of studies will be presented concerning (1) the response of natural vegetation to extensive livestock grazing in different conditions; how farming systems can adapt to seasonal, spatial and nutritional quality of feed resources; and the effect of grazing on animal performance and product quality.
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Casasús, I., Riedel, J.L., Blanco, M., Bernués, A. (2012). Extensive livestock production systems and the environment. In: Casasús, I., Rogošiç, J., Rosati, A., Štokoviç, I., Gabiña, D. (eds) Animal farming and environmental interactions in the Mediterranean region. EAAP – European Federation of Animal Sciences, vol 131. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen. https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-741-7_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-741-7_9
Publisher Name: Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen
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