Novel strategies for sustainable and profitable livestock farming
While livestock farming has been around for thousands of years, it has only been intensified in recent decades to meet the demands of a rising world population and global competition. This intensification has helped to increase yields and make farming practices more efficient, resulting in staples such as eggs, meat and milk being more widely available and cheaper to buy for billions of people worldwide. However, intensive livestock farming also has its drawbacks. Diseases caused by livestock management practices can compromise animal health and welfare, creating inefficiencies that lead to lower profitability and product quality. Other considerations include the environmental footprint of intensive farming and the harmful long-term effects of antibiotic use.