Journal of Fisheries & Livestock Production
Open Access

Zero-grazing; Land-use efficiency; Sustainable livestock; Intensive farming; Feed management; Soil conservation

Introduction

As global demand for livestock products continues to rise, land scarcity and environmental degradation pose significant challenges to sustainable livestock production. Traditional grazing systems often lead to overgrazing, soil erosion, and deforestation, contributing to biodiversity loss and increased greenhouse gas emissions. In response to these concerns, zero-grazing livestock systems have gained attention as a sustainable solution that maximizes land-use efficiency while maintaining high productivity [1].

Zero-grazing, also known as cut-and-carry or stall-feeding systems, involves confining livestock in controlled environments where they are provided with harvested forage, concentrates, and supplements. This system minimizes land degradation by preventing direct grazing pressure on pastures, allowing for better soil conservation and efficient nutrient management. Additionally, zero-grazing enables optimized feeding strategies, improving livestock health, growth rates, and milk or meat production. Beyond productivity benefits, zero-grazing systems contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing methane emissions through precision feeding and efficient manure management. Manure can be collected and utilized as organic fertilizer or converted into biogas, promoting circular agricultural practices. However, implementing zero-grazing systems requires careful planning, including infrastructure investment, feed availability, and management expertise to ensure long-term success [2].

This review explores the role of zero-grazing livestock systems in enhancing land-use efficiency and promoting sustainable agriculture. It examines their environmental, economic, and social implications while addressing potential challenges and opportunities for future adoption. By integrating zero-grazing into climate-smart agricultural practices, livestock farming can achieve higher productivity with reduced environmental impact, contributing to global food security and sustainability goals [3].

Discussion

Zero-grazing livestock systems offer a promising approach to sustainable livestock production by optimizing land-use efficiency, reducing environmental degradation, and improving productivity. However, their implementation requires a balanced assessment of benefits and challenges. This discussion explores the key aspects of zero-grazing systems, including their impact on land-use efficiency, environmental sustainability, economic feasibility, and animal welfare [4].

Land-Use Efficiency and Resource Optimization

One of the primary advantages of zero-grazing is its ability to maximize land productivity. By confining livestock and providing harvested feed, farmers can allocate grazing land for other uses such as crop cultivation, agroforestry, or conservation efforts. This system is particularly beneficial in regions with limited grazing land, where overgrazing has led to soil degradation and desertification. Additionally, controlled feeding in zero-grazing systems reduces the need for extensive pasturelands, making it a viable option for smallholder farmers and intensive livestock operations [5].

Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Mitigation

Zero-grazing systems contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing deforestation, soil erosion, and methane emissions. Unlike traditional grazing, where livestock trample vegetation and deplete soil nutrients, zero-grazing preserves natural landscapes by limiting direct land degradation. Moreover, efficient manure management in confined systems allows for the collection and utilization of animal waste as organic fertilizer or biogas, reducing nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions. Precision feeding strategies further enhance sustainability by optimizing nutrient intake and minimizing methane production from enteric fermentation [6].

Economic Feasibility and Productivity Gains

While zero-grazing systems require higher initial investment costs for infrastructure, feeding equipment, and feed production, they offer long-term economic benefits. Improved feed efficiency and controlled nutrition lead to higher milk yields, better weight gain, and lower disease prevalence, ultimately increasing profitability for farmers. Additionally, integrating zero-grazing with forage cultivation and feed processing can create value-added opportunities, enhancing economic resilience in livestock farming. However, the success of zero-grazing depends on the availability and affordability of quality feed resources, which may pose challenges in certain regions [7].

Animal Welfare and Health Considerations

Properly managed zero-grazing systems can enhance animal health and welfare by providing controlled shelter, reducing exposure to predators, and minimizing the risk of diseases associated with open grazing. However, poor housing conditions, inadequate ventilation, and limited space can lead to stress, respiratory issues, and mobility problems in confined animals. Therefore, ensuring proper housing design, hygiene, and enrichment strategies is crucial to maintaining animal well-being in zero-grazing systems [8].

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its benefits, the widespread adoption of zero-grazing faces challenges such as high operational costs, labor-intensive management, and dependency on external feed sources [9]. Addressing these limitations requires policy support, farmer training, and investments in sustainable feed production. Additionally, technological advancements such as automated feeding systems, precision livestock farming, and climate-resilient forage crops can enhance the efficiency and scalability of zero-grazing systems. Future research should focus on optimizing feeding strategies, improving manure utilization, and integrating renewable energy solutions to enhance the sustainability of zero-grazing livestock farming [10].

Conclusion

Zero-grazing livestock systems present a sustainable alternative to conventional grazing methods by improving land-use efficiency, enhancing environmental sustainability, and increasing productivity. While challenges such as high costs and intensive management exist, strategic interventions, technological innovations, and supportive policies can drive the adoption of zero-grazing as a climate-smart livestock production model. By balancing economic, environmental, and animal welfare considerations, zero-grazing can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient livestock industry.

References

1. Solomn G, Abule E, Yayneshet T, Zeleke M, Yoseph M, et al. (2017) Feed resources in the highlands of Ethiopia: A value chain assessment and intervention options. ILRI 1–36.

Google Scholar, Indexed at

2. Duguma B, Janssens GPJ (2021) Assessment of Livestock Feed Resources and Coping Strategies with Dry Season Feed Scarcity in Mixed Crop-Livestock Farming Systems Around the Gilgel Gibe Catchment, South West Ethiopia. Sustain 13.

Google Scholar, Crossref

3. Adinew D, Abegaze B, Kassahun D (2020) Assessment of feed resources feeding systems and milk production potential of dairy cattle in Misha district of Ethiopia. Ethiop J Appl Sci Technol 11: 15–26.

Google Scholar

4. Chufa A, Tadele Y, Hidosa D (2022) Assessment on Livestock Feed Resources and Utilization Practices in Derashe Special District, Southern-Western Ethiopia: Status, Challenges and Opportunities. J Vet Med 5: 14.

Google Scholar

5. Melaku T (2011) Oxidization versus Tractorization: Options and Constraints for Ethiopian Framing System. Int J Sustainable Agric 3: 11-20.

Google Scholar, Indexed at

6. World Bank (2017) International Development Association: Project Appraisal Document on a Proposed Credit in the Amount of SDR 121.1 Million (US$ 170 Million Equivalent) to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for a Livestock and Fisheries Sector Development Project (Project Appraisal Document No. PAD2396). Washington DC.
7. FAO (2014) OECD, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States, Agricultural Outlook 2014, OECD Publishing FAO.
8. Belay G, Negesse T (2019) Livestock Feed Dry Matter Availability and Utilization in Burie Zuria District, North Western Ethiopia. Trop Subtrop Agroecosystems 22: 55–70.

Google Scholar

9. Management Entity (2021) Ethiopia’s Livestock Systems: Overview and Areas of Inquiry. Gainesville, FL, USA: Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems.
10. Azage T (2004) Urban livestock production and gender in Addis Ababa. ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute). Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Urban Agric Mag 12:3.

Google Scholar, Indexed at