Water footprint livestock
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Water Footprint of Livestock: An In-Depth Analysis
Introduction to Water Footprint in Livestock Production
The water footprint (WF) of livestock production is a critical metric for understanding the environmental impact of animal farming. It encompasses the total volume of freshwater used directly and indirectly to produce livestock products, including meat, milk, and eggs. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the water footprint associated with various livestock production systems.
Water Footprint Variability Among Livestock Products
Higher Water Footprint of Meat Compared to Dairy and Eggs
Research consistently shows that the water footprint of meat is significantly higher than that of milk or eggs. Among meats, beef has the largest water footprint, followed by sheep, goat, pork, and chicken . This variation is primarily due to differences in feed conversion ratios, with ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats having poorer feed conversion efficiency compared to monogastric animals such as poultry and swine.
Feed Production as the Major Contributor
Feed production is identified as the largest contributor to the water footprint of livestock production, accounting for a substantial portion of the total water used . For instance, in dairy farms, water used for feed production represents approximately 87% of the total water footprint of milk production.
Geographic and Systematic Differences in Water Footprint
Regional Variability in Water Footprint
The water footprint of livestock production varies significantly across different geographic regions and production systems. For example, beef cattle production systems in New South Wales, Australia, show a wide range of water footprints due to differences in local water stress and farming practices. Similarly, sheep and goat farming in Northern China also exhibit high water footprints, influenced by the type of feed and production system used.
Impact of Production Systems
Livestock raised in non-irrigated, pasture-based systems generally have a lower water footprint compared to those in industrial systems. This is because industrial systems tend to consume and pollute more ground and surface water resources . In New Zealand, for instance, beef cattle and sheep farming have relatively low water scarcity footprints due to efficient production practices and low annual water-stress levels.
Strategies for Reducing Water Footprint
Efficient Feed and Water Management
Several strategies can help reduce the water footprint of livestock production. These include using low-water-footprint feeds, improving irrigation efficiency for crops used as livestock feed, and reducing water wastage in animal servicing activities . For example, substituting high-water-demand feeds with alternatives like triticale silage can significantly lower the water footprint of dairy farms.
Policy and Guidelines
The FAO Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP) Partnership has developed guidelines to monitor and improve the environmental performance of livestock supply chains. These guidelines recommend comprehensive assessments that include both water productivity and water scarcity footprints to provide a complete picture of water use efficiency and environmental impact.
Conclusion
The water footprint of livestock production is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including the type of livestock, feed conversion efficiency, production system, and geographic location. While meat production, particularly beef, has a higher water footprint compared to dairy and eggs, there are significant opportunities to reduce this impact through better feed and water management practices. Implementing these strategies and adhering to international guidelines can help mitigate the pressure on global freshwater resources and promote sustainable livestock production.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Water footprint of livestock products and production systems: a review
Water footprint of livestock: comparison of six geographically defined beef production systems
Water footprint and economic water productivity assessment of eight dairy cattle farms based on field measurement.
Water Footprint Analysis of Sheep and Goat from Various Production Systems in Northern China
Water footprint of a tropical beef cattle production system: The impact of individual-animal and feed management
Building consensus on water use assessment of livestock production systems and supply chains: Outcome and recommendations from the FAO LEAP Partnership
Water footprint of beef cattle and sheep produced in New Zealand: water scarcity and eutrophication impacts
Assessing water resource use in livestock production: A review of methods
Water use by livestock: A global perspective for a regional issue?
A Global Assessment of the Water Footprint of Farm Animal Products
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