Although humans have been farming for thousands of years, we are constantly changing and adapting how we raise and care for farm animals. A big part of raising these animals is ensuring there is enough supply to cover the demand for animal products.
As demand rises, many wonder how we can ethically raise enough animals to meet it. Through advancements in animal agriculture systems, we have solutions to these questions. These are some of the major developments improving the sustainability of animal agriculture.
Animal Health
Animal health is one of the most important discussions to have when looking at how to increase farm sustainability. Animals that live healthier, happier lives tend to produce more products of better quality, not to mention that it is a more humane way for these animals to live. This means that farmers don’t have to raise as many animals to meet demand, which helps to reduce the environmental impact of farms.
Two ways that animal health is being studied are through animal husbandry and nutrition. Animal husbandry is the care and breeding of animals, and it has been a part of livestock production for hundreds of years. Farmers can selectively breed animals to produce certain desirable traits, such as the largest chickens or cows that produce the most milk. Advances in genetics can lead to more productive offspring, and less livestock is necessary.
Nutrition can also lead to more productive livestock. Certain plants and grains can not only be more beneficial to the well-being of the animals but can cut down on the amount of land used for animal food. Certain foods can also lower the methane levels of animals such as cows during digestion. This greatly reduces the greenhouse gases in the air due to livestock.
Technology
Technology is being utilized in many aspects of agriculture, automating routine tasks like watering and harvesting crops or basic forms of animal care. This allows the farmer to spend more time taking care of important tasks and leads to more overall farm productivity.
Technology allows farmers to keep a closer eye on their animals than ever before, as wearable sensors on each animal can track their vitals, weight, and activity levels. These sensors help with many aspects of farming, such as detecting illnesses before they hurt the animal or compromise the rest of the herd. This not only protects the herd but also improves animal welfare and food safety.
Drones are now being used to survey herds. Not only can a drone monitor the herd, but it can also monitor the ground the herd is grazing on. This data can be used to assess hazards to the animals’ well-being, like rough terrain or poisonous plants, as well as locate missing or injured animals.
The Future of Farming
Farmers and animal scientists continue to find ways to better care for animals and meet demands for animal products. This is not an exhaustive list, but it is exemplary of the strides being made in animal science to shape a more sustainable and humane future for animal agriculture.
Citations
Our World in Data — Meat Production
Miller’s Bio Farm — Why Meat from Stressed Animals Tastes Worse
HealthforAnimals — Common Principles and Actions for Sustainable Livestock Production
UC Davis CLEAR Center — Why Do Cattle Produce Methane, and What Can We Do About It?
Farming Future Food — Insects and Algae as Alternative Animal Feeds
Electric Solenoid Valves — The Future of Livestock Farming: Automation Trends
MDPI Animals — Precision Livestock Farming Research
National Geographic — The Future of Livestock Farming