Published in 2009 by the Royal Agricultural Society of England this report attacks the "livestock are bad for the environment" argument.
The report says that livestock farming brings many benefits to the UK food chain, the landscape and the environment. It is an important contributor to the drive for sustainable food security; but also presents undeniable environmental challenges.
The report says: "Production efficiency has increased steadily over the past 30 years, dramatically reducing the environmental footprint of UK livestock farming. For the industry to continue to support the balanced diet that we need and to stay competitive in the face of climate change, increasing global population and limited resources, that trend must continue."
"More than 60% of British agricultural land is grassland and much of it, particularly the hills and uplands, is unsuitable for other crops. Semi-permanent rough grazing and improved grasslands play an important role in locking up carbon dioxide and regulating the flow of rain into water courses. Without livestock farming, those natural resources would be abandoned and the landscape would soon change beyond recognition."
The ways forward the report proposes are:
- Increased productivity (same yield, fewer numbers or same numbers, more yield)
- Reductions in the breeding stock through improvements in fertility and in reproductive ability
- Reduced wasteage
- Improvements in animal survival
- Improved feed conversion ratio
- Increased nutrient capture efficiency
- Optimised feed levels and nutrient balance
- Develop improved forage crops
- Include ration components that reduce methane and ammonia emissions
- Manage manure and use manure as a resource
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