Integrated and innovative livestock production in drylands

Abstract

By around 2050, it is estimated that the demand for meat and milk will be 60-70 % greater than it is today. Production from ruminants in dryland areas is expected to play an important role in the responses to this challenge. However, livestock production in dryland areas is risky because of a number of uncertainties, the majority of which can be attributed to variation in key climatic factors that can limit productivity and also fuel societal opinions about the ethics of animal production. In this chapter, we have described and analysed the risks and problems for livestock production in difficult environments, and have proposed management options. Based on the work done with Australian native shrubs and pasture species, we have shown how silvopastoral systems can offer innovative and versatile options for livestock production in dryland regions if animal behaviour is managed to influence diet and habitat selection. Versatile livestock systems that include compatible livestock genotypes, forage species and management strategies, can maximise productivity and improve ecosystem health while providing food for humanity.