Sustainable intensification of livestock systems using forage legumes in the anthropocene

Authors: DUBEUX, JOSE - University Of Florida; Jaramillo, David; DANTAS, LUANA - University Of Florida; GARCIA, LIZA - University Of Florida; SANTOS, ERICK - University Of Alberta

Submitted to: International Grasslands Congress
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/2/2023
Publication Date: 5/14/2023
Citation: Dubeux, J., Jaramillo, D.M., Dantas, L., Garcia, L., Santos, E. 2023. Sustainable intensification of livestock systems using forage legumes in the anthropocene. International Grasslands Congress, May 14-19, 2023, Covington, Kentucky. p. 98-101.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Sustainable intensification of livestock systems implies greater efficiency in resource utilization resulting in greater output of products and other ecosystem services per unit of resource input. Strategies to improve resource use efficiency in livestock systems include diversification of plant and ruminant species that exhibit complementarity of resource use. Forages that have root systems with contrasting architecture and ability to explore different soil layers for resource acquisition (e.g., nutrients, water) could enhance primary productivity. Belowground interactions with soil microbiota (e.g., mycorrhizae, rhizobia) are key to enhance resource utilization. Forages with complementary canopy characteristics that help to enhance light interception and utilization could also lead to improved resource utilization. Integrating forage legumes into livestock systems is a way to reduce inputs of industrial N fertilizer, reducing the use of fossil fuels and helping to mitigate climate change. Some forage legumes have greater concentrations of secondary compounds such as condensed tannins that might reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from eructation and excreta. Livestock account for 14.5% of overall GHG emissions, and any reduction of those emissions without compromising animal performance is the goal. Furthermore, forage legumes might enhance cattle performance because of greater nutritive value, resulting in greater beef production per unit of GHG released. In fact, carbon footprint of cattle production can be reduced by improving cattle reproductive efficiency and through reductions in the production cycle (e.g., reducing time to reach market weights). There are examples of successful integration of forage legumes into livestock systems in different regions of the world, with major reductions in off-farm inputs and ability of maintaining system productivity. These examples must be considered to increase their adoption and to improve the efficiency of current livestock systems.