Sustainable Cattle Farming.Successful Cattle Operations
One of the main topics of discussion today is the increase of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, considered a major cause of climate change and global warming. Hence, efforts are being made throughout the world to reduce GHG emissions.
Brazil is currently among the four major animal producers in the world, a status that should stand for the next few decades. This has caused concern domestically and internationally, because livestock production systems contribute to GHG emissions.
Recent productivity gains in beef and milk productivity verified in Brazil were achieved through increased efficiency, a fact that led to the alleviation of deforestation rates for the establishment of new pasture areas, contributing to the sustainability of Brazilian livestock sector. Despite the gains already achieved, however, much remains to be done.
GHG emissions can be reduced by the adoption of integrated agricultural systems and of improved management techniques. The Incorporation of those techniques into governmental agricultural policies requires proper assessment of emission levels of traditional production systems and the mitigation potential (emission reduction and GHG removal from the atmosphere) of well-managed systems at the national level.