Sustainable livestock systems are essential to improve global food security and resilience against the effects of climate change. While climate-related issues like droughts, floods, and high temperatures worsen, resilient livestock systems provide a consistent supply of meat, milk, and other animal products for nutrition and livelihoods.
These systems focus on effective use of resources, environmental stewardship, and animal well-being. Practices like rotational grazing, better feed management, and integrated crop-livestock systems diminish land degradation, enhance productivity, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Breeding climate-resilient animals and maximizing water use efficiency also result in improved system adaptability.
In vulnerable areas, particularly developing nations, livestock are a vital source of revenue and sustenance. Adaptive practices enable small-scale farmers to sustain their production during climate stresses while preserving natural resources. Additionally, technological advancements—such as climate prediction tools, mobile veterinary services, and precision agriculture—improve decision-making and losses.
By maintaining biodiversity, soil quality, and ecosystem services, sustainable livestock systems assist in ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. Investment in the systems is vital to establish climate-resilient food chains and ensure that future populations have access to safe, nutritious, and affordable animal-source foods.