Tag: Livestock management

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 26% of the Earth's terrestrial surface is used for livestock grazing. The long-standing practice of letting livestock graze freely on pastures is far more complex and advantageous than it appears, offering a multitude of benefits for both the land and the animals.

According to a 2024 review, continuous grazing, where livestock have unrestricted access to a single pasture, has been shown to cause decreased species diversity and increased soil erosion in grassland ecosystems over time. While seemingly low-effort, this method comes with a significant list of ecological and economic drawbacks that can harm both land and livestock.

In a study published in 2022, data from the Dog Aging Project indicated that dogs fed once daily, a form of restricted feeding, had lower odds of developing certain health conditions compared to those fed more frequently. This highlights a key debate in animal care: should animals be fed freely, or should their intake be controlled? These two primary feeding strategies, ad libitum and restricted feeding, have distinct approaches and outcomes for animal health and management.

Research consistently shows that an animal's body condition score (BCS) has a direct correlation with its overall health, reproductive success, and longevity. This provides a compelling answer to the question, why do we do body condition scoring: it's a critical, non-invasive assessment that serves as a vital barometer for nutritional management and proactive healthcare across many species.

According to a 2023 USDA press release, the agency is increasing its scrutiny of animal-raising claims, including 'grassfed,' to ensure integrity and combat misleading labeling. For producers, this means adhering to strict management practices that go far beyond just providing pasture, encompassing diet, environment, and verification protocols mandated by the USDA.

While many nutrients are vital, a lack of one—water—can lead to death in a matter of days. This stark reality emphasizes why water is arguably the most important essential nutrient in animals, superseding all others for basic survival.

In a 2018 study, researchers found that cows with liberal access to total mixed rations showed improvements in energy-corrected milk feed efficiency compared to those with restricted access. This highlights the complex trade-offs associated with liberal feeding, a strategy often employed to maximize production.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, feed costs account for the largest proportion of expenses in most beef cattle operations. To manage these costs and ensure animal health, producers must understand what are the four types of feed given to beef cattle: roughage, concentrates, supplements, and water. A balanced diet from these categories is critical for optimal growth and performance.

Did you know that to be certified organic, dairy cows must receive at least 30% of their dry matter intake from grazing on pasture for at least 120 days of the year? This and other strict regulations form the core of what are the rules for organic milk, ensuring specific standards are met from farm to table.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in 2014, 805 million people faced chronic hunger, demonstrating the urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions. Supplementary feeding is a critical strategy designed to address these nutritional deficits and prevent the health crises that arise from food insecurity across different contexts, including humans, livestock, and wildlife.