Perspectives on animal production systems in Asia

Abstract

Abstract Asian animal production systems are discussed in the context of their relevance, types, trends, opportunities for productivity enhancement, and the implications for natural resource management (NRM). These include a variety of systems in agro-ecological zones which can be grouped broadly into one of three categories: landless, crop-based and, and rangeland-based. The landless production systems are of two types: (i) highly industrialised pig and poultry production, and (ii) extensive systems involving small ruminants, cattle and camels and resource-poor nomads, transhumants or agricultural laborers and seasonal migrations. Within crop-based systems, animals are found in both irrigated and rainfed areas. The genesis of these systems is illustrated, and includes two broad categories: systems combining animals with annual or perennial cropping. The significance of crop–animal interactions and economic benefits from 31 case studies in 11 countries highlight the importance of animals in crop-based systems. Animal production trends are influenced by strong demand-led factors such as population growth, urbanisation, income growth and changing consumer preferences These are of two categories: (i) modern, demand-driven and capital intensive non-ruminant (pig and poultry) sector which is dominant, growing, and supplies the major share of animal proteins,which however is unable to meet current and projected human requirements, and (ii) traditional resource-driven and labour intensive ruminant (buffaloes, cattle, goats and sheep) sector which mainly involve small farms and small farmers and are lagging. The disparity questions efficiencies of prevailing animal production systems and NRM. Integrated animals–tree crop production systems are underestimated and are potentially very important. Two possible scenarios for the future of crop–animal systems are increased size and specialisation, and the other disintegration due to population pressure. It is suggested that crop–animal systems and small farms will continue to be predominant in Asia, in which intensification, growth and increased contribution are likely in the future. Major issues to be addressed across systems include inter alia nutrient flows, waste disposal, overgrazing, all year round feeding systems, zoonosis, and policy issues. The less-favored and more constrained rainfed areas can be made more productive through increased public and private sector investments, interdisciplinary research and development, and improved technology application. The challenges and benefits for the future include improved efficiency of NRM, agricultural growth, reduced poverty, improved livelihoods of the poor and environmental sustainability.