The environmental ecology of oxen used for draught power

Abstract

More than half the world’s population depends on animal power for much of its energy. Draught animals operate on more than 50% of the planet’s cultivated areas. In the mid 1990s work by draught animals was estimated to be equivalent to a fossil fuel replacement value of US$ 6 billion. Estimates of the number of animals used for power applications range from 300 million upwards. Oxen (cattle) are the most frequently used animals and ploughing is the most common function. Almost all species of domestic quadruped are used, however, in a variety of agricultural and transport roles. Research and development literature tends to stress the perceived positive effects of the use of animal power while ignoring any negative ones. In agriculture positive effects are seen to be integration per se and intensification of crop and livestock production, higher crop output, better returns to labour, increased cash income and improved food security. The potential or real negative aspects of animal traction include reduced other forms of animal production due mainly to the effects of draught animal ownership on herd composition, the additional labour needed for feeding and care, degradation of land and vegetation due to heavy grazing pressure and major additions to global warming gases from the totality of livestock. This paper attempts to provide a holistic analysis of the use of oxen for power applications based on literature sources and empirical work and observations by the author in numerous countries over many years.