Cattle population is fed on decreased area of pasture lands by deforestation to acquire new pastures and utilising modern technology to procure animal feed. The consequences of decreased pasture lands are the increasing strains placed upon farmers practicing animal husbandry, declining productivity of cattle and diversion of forest lands for grazing.

Feeding Cattle on Pasture Land: Consequences and Solutions

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Feeding cattle on pasture land is a common practice in many countries, especially in areas where grazing is abundant and cheap. While it has some advantages, such as low input costs, natural nutrition, and reduced environmental impact compared to confinement feeding, it also has some challenges and risks that need to be addressed. In this guide, we will explore some of the main issues related to feeding cattle on pasture land and suggest some solutions.

Challenges of Pasture Feeding

1. Seasonal and Regional Variations: Pasture productivity and quality vary by season, climate, soil, and plant species. Cattle may have to adapt to changing conditions and find alternative sources of food and water during droughts, floods, or extreme weather events.

2. Nutritional Imbalances: Pasture forage may lack some essential nutrients, such as protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins, that cattle need for growth, reproduction, and health. Supplemental feeding or pasture management may be necessary to ensure adequate nutrition.

3. Parasites and Diseases: Pasture cattle are exposed to various parasites, such as worms, flies, ticks, and lice, that can affect their performance and health. They may also contract infectious diseases from other animals or contaminated soil and water.

4. Environmental Degradation: Overgrazing, erosion, soil compaction, and nutrient depletion can harm pasture productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Cattle may also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and habitat destruction.

Solutions for Pasture Feeding

1. Pasture Management: Proper pasture management can enhance forage quality, quantity, and diversity, by rotating, resting, fertilizing, irrigating, and seeding pastures according to soil and climate conditions. It can also reduce soil erosion, runoff, and nutrient loss, by controlling stocking rates, avoiding overgrazing, and using buffer strips and riparian zones.

2. Supplements and Additives: Providing cattle with supplements or additives can complement the nutritional value of pasture forage and improve their performance, health, and welfare. Examples include protein supplements, energy sources, minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and enzymes.

3. Health Care: Regular monitoring, vaccination, deworming, and treatment of cattle can prevent and control parasitic and infectious diseases, and minimize their impact on productivity and animal welfare. Proper disposal of manure and dead animals can also reduce environmental contamination.

4. Genetics and Breeding: Selecting and breeding cattle for traits that adapt well to pasture conditions, such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and efficient feed conversion, can improve their productivity and profitability. Genetic testing and genomic selection can also identify favorable traits and reduce inbreeding.

Conclusion

Feeding cattle on pasture land can be a viable and sustainable option for many farmers, but it requires careful planning, management, and investment to overcome the challenges and risks. By applying some of the solutions and best practices discussed in this guide, farmers can improve the health, nutrition, and welfare of their cattle, while preserving and enhancing the natural resources and ecosystem services provided by pasture land.