Animal-driven sustainable beef production systems
WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE?In order to reach the future goal of A Varied Agricultural Landscape there must be a 70% increase in the number of suckler cows in Sweden, but there will be no new beef producers unless beef production is profitable. The Swedish government recently presented its final report regarding an action plan for sustainable consumption by households (SOU 2005:51). The report recommends focusing on large-scale extensive Swedish beef production because of its advantages for the environment, public health and the economy. However, a major challenge is that the mosaic Swedish landscape is not readily suitable for large-scale production based on grazing. Another challenge is that existing agricultural buildings and typical herd sizes will become unprofitable if new investments are needed under the market-set demands for labour and capital. New systems are needed for overwintering beef cattle in an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable way. One frequent conclusion in future scenarios on Swedish beef production concerns the difficulties involved in achieving the objectives of biological diversity, natural acidification only and zero eutrophication (highly significant reduction in water eutrophication). Previous studies have shown that keeping beef cattle in permanent pens outdoors during wintertime results in high nitrogen and phosphorus losses with surface run-off and drainage water.HOW CAN THE PROJECT CONTRIBUTE TO A SOLUTION?
A balanced stocking density, where nitrogen and phosphorus loads added with manure correspond to the needs of subsequent crops, and continuous rotation of grazing animals can significantly decrease the risk of nitrogen and phosphorus losses. The principle for the proposed outdoor system is for beef cattle to be settled on a ley on arable land in the winter before ploughing and re-sowing. If the animals have permanent access to wind shelter and continuous access to new areas for feeding, unacceptably trampled ground, dirty animals and excessive point loads of manure and urine can be avoided. The challenge is to incorporate these features into complete production systems that are economically sustainable. However, knowledge is currently lacking.
A reference group has been appointed to develop an outdoor system together with the project group that can be implemented in the near future. The reference group consists of representatives of the Swedish Beef Producers’ Association, the Swedish Animal Health Service and the Swedish Work Environment Authority and played an active part in designing the proposed system, verifying the quality of the project and validating results. The project and the reference group will together formulate recommendations for achieving beef production with good productivity that can reach the national goals of A Varied Agricultural Landscape, Natural Acidification Only and Zero Eutrophication.
In the first winter the functionality of moving the system was tested and evaluated with 17 heifers and as a result, some improvements were made to the system. In the second winter, the system will be tested with two stock sizes, 17 and 34 heifers, in studies on: 1. Point loads and surface run-off of nitrogen and phosphorus. 2. Emissions of ammonia, nitrous oxide and methane. 3. Animal health, live-weight, cleanliness and behaviour. 4. Manual work in a cold climate and accident risks. 5. Financial returns on investment, labour and land costs.
WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE RESULTS?
The project aims to provide farmers with concrete examples of how to plan and organise highly productive, functional outdoor systems for beef production during the winter period. The relevant authorities will obtain information on how outdoor systems can be planned and implemented to achieve good animal health and welfare, a good working environment and a low risk of nitrogen and phosphorus losses.
