Optimizing The Use of Locally Available Resources for Sustainable Animal Production

Abstract

The locally available resources play important roles in realizing sustainable agriculture, specifically animal production. Both locally available plant and animal resources contribute to the sustainability of animal production with planned and strategic management. Sustainable livestock production means the need to develop efficient management utilizing local feed resources, indigenous genetic resources and integration with crop production, while maintaining profitability, healthy environment, animal welfare and global temperature. Sustainability also indicates that what we practice now can be practiced in the future with little change in the environment and climate. Modern aspects of animal production systems need to consider mitigating and adapting to climate change and reducing carbon footprint. With increased world population projected to be about 9 billion by 2050, and considering the present trend in animal products consumption, the number of livestock need to increase by 60-70 percent. Future animal production systems will have to utilize non-conventional feeds, locally available resources, new developed feedstuffs and genetically improved animals to ensure continuity in the supply of animal products for human consumption. The use of ICT will be increased even in small farms to ensure efficient utilization of inputs and precision management of livestock. It is envisaged that green technology will be more applied in livestock production system to achieve sustainability. Through advanced technological developments, use of non-conventional feed resources, utilization of novel crops for fodder and efficiency of production, integrated system and urban agriculture, livestock industry may be sustained in years to come, thereby able to meet the demands for meat, milk, eggs and other by-products. The constraints in development in livestock industry include the use of antimicrobials in feed, welfare of food animals and global warming caused by livestock activities.