Abstract
The aim of this paper is to propose a multi-attribute hierarchical evaluation model for the evaluation of the aggregate sustainability of livestock farms integrating the economic, environmental, and social aspects. This approach uses an aggregation criterion based on the geometric mean to assess a farm’s current level of sustainability. Sustainability was measured through the use of indicators including carbon footprint, farm income, and animal welfare. Secondly, based on the relationships between the sustainability aspects, the effects of improvement measures on all the indicators were estimated. This paper presents eight livestock case studies from Italy, analyzed in 2014. The results show intermediate values for the aggregate index of sustainability for most of the farms. The index mainly depends on the estimated values of the sustainability indicators related to the economic and environmental aspects. Lower values of animal welfare sustainability are quantified. The introduction of improvement measures in relation to the preparation of the soil had positive effects, both in terms of emissions and animal welfare. The increase of available space per Livestock Unit (LU) resulted in the greatest positive effect on animal welfare, among all the other actions analyzed.
Highlights
In recent decades, the contribution of livestock farming to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as the deterioration of animal welfare, where violations result in ethical problems and threaten food safety [1], have become increasingly important
The present study addresses only some aspects of the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of livestock farms, integrating carbon footprint (CF) indicators with profitability and animal welfare indicators in a Multi-Attribute Decision-Making (MADM) approach
We discuss the effects of possible policy actions that favor or hinder the adoption of sustainable practices by the type of livestock farms described with the present study
Summary
The contribution of livestock farming to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as the deterioration of animal welfare, where violations result in ethical problems and threaten food safety [1], have become increasingly important. In light of these factors, this study performs an investigation into responsible livestock farming. The emissions generated by agricultural activities will continue to increase due to the growth in world population and the simultaneous general improvement in lifestyle [4,5] For these reasons, on both an international and European Community level, measurement and monitoring strategies have been introduced to quantify the amount of emissions generated by production activities and to create strategies to reduce impacts
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