Issues of sustainability in animal production and the implications for
science: An international perspective.
A. Parry
AgResearch, Flock House Agricultural Centre, Private Bag 1900, Bulls,
New Zealand.
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 1994,
54: 181-184
Issues of sustainability in animal production in developed countries
involve a trend away from intensive production systems and destruction of the
environment, towards improved animal welfare and increased product quality,
with an emphasis on reduced use of chemicals in production systems. The
negative environmental impact and the loss of biodiversity, due to livestock
production systems, are major issues in both developed and developing
countries. In developing countries, desertification and deforestation, the
sustainable management of wildlife systems and the need to reduce competition
between humans and animals for scarce resources, are all major issues of
sustainability. While the developed world is looking towards "de-intensifying"
its animal agriculture, the developing regions of the world have a perceived
need to intensify animal production systems in order to support increasing
populations, urban growth and an increased demand for animal products.
The implications for scientific research include: aiming to optimise rather than
maximise production; greater emphasis on the ecological aspects of sustainable
systems, maintenance of biodiversity and natural resources; and minimising
external inputs and satisfying the food, income and social needs of rural
communities. Scientific communities must increasingly seek international
collaboration in a global approach to the challenge of sustainable animal
production.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
sustainability; science; animal production; international.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
