Grazing Cattle, Sheep, and Goats Are Important Parts of a Sustainable Agricultural Future.

Abstract

Simple SummaryIncreasing attacks on animal agriculture have forced many people to question the use of animals for food. Grazing livestock are part of a sustainable agricultural future. Vast amounts of land all around the world can only be used for grazing. It is either too arid or the terrain is too rough for growing crops. Rotating cattle, sheep, or other livestock between different pastures can improve both soil health and plant biodiversity. This is a sustainable use of land that cannot be cropped. On cropland, the rotation of conventional crops, such as corn or soybeans, with livestock grazing on a forage crop can improve both soil health and reduce the need for artificial fertilizer. Successful grazing programs must be adapted to local conditions. When grazing is performed correctly, it will improve the land.Many people believe that animal agriculture should be phased out and replaced with vegetarian substitutes. The livestock industry has also been attacked because it uses vast amounts of land. People forget that grazing cattle or sheep can be raised on land that is either too arid or too rough for raising crops. At least 20% of the habitable land on Earth is not suitable for crops. Rotational grazing systems can be used to improve both soil health and vegetation diversity on arid land. Grazing livestock are also being successfully used to graze cover crops on prime farmland. Soil health is improved when grazing on a cover crop is rotated with conventional cash crops, such as corn or soybeans. It also reduces the need for buying fertilizer. Grazing animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, or bison, should be used as part of a sustainable system that will improve the land, help sequester carbon, and reduce animal welfare issues.