Integrated crop-livestock farming systems

a substantial global increase in the demand for food of animal origin, while also aggravating the competition between crops and livestock (increasing cropping areas and reducing rangelands). The livestock revolution 1 is stretching the capacity of existing production, but it is also exacerbating environmental problems. Therefore, while it is necessary to satisfy consumer demand, improve nutrition and direct income growth opportunities to those who need them most, it is also necessary to alleviate environmental stress. Conventional agriculture is known to cause soil and pasture degradation because it involves intensive tillage, in particular if practised in areas of marginal productivity. Technologies and management schemes that can enhance productivity need to be developed. At the same time, ways need to be found to preserve the natural resource base. Within this framework, an integrated crop-livestock farming system represents a key solution for enhancing livestock production and safeguarding the environment through prudent and efficient resource use. The increasing pressure on land and the growing demand for livestock products makes it more and more important to ensure the effective use of feed resources, including crop residues. An integrated farming system consists of a range of resource-saving practices that aim to achieve acceptable profits and high and sustained production levels, while minimizing the negative effects of intensive farming and preserving the environment. Based on the Integrated crop-livestock farming systems Livestock Thematic Papers Tools for project design