LIVESTOCK FARMING

SYSTEMS
 LIVESTOCK FARMING SYSTEMS

Definition:
The system used to rear livestock

Livestock species:
Pigs

Cattle Sheep Poultry

 Different systems:
Extensive livestock farming:
Livestock is reared in large open air fields
Requires little investment in labour force or capital

It can complement agriculture, providing labour force and fertilisers

It is the dominant activity in areas with natural features that do not
favour agriculture

The edge of deserts

Temperate prairies

Tropical savannahs Cool, humid areas of the oceanic climate

 Intensive livestock farming:

Livestock market is housed in barns

Animals are fed completely or partially with artificial feeds

It demands high levels of investment in buildings, breed selection,

feeding technology and veterinary care
 TRADITIONAL LIVESTOCK FARMING
Nomadic livestock farming:
Location:
Dry areas at the edge of deserts
Characteristics:
Livestock is continually moved to provide animals with fresh pastures

Examples:

The Tuaregs of theSahara Bedouins of the Arabian peninsula

 Seasonal migration:
Location:
Some mountainous regions of America, Asia and North Africa

Characteristics:
Livestock is moved on a seasonal basis:

• Between the plains (winter pasture) and the mountains (summer pasture)
 INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIC LIVESTOCK
FARMING
Industrial livestock farming:
Characteristics:
It seeks to obtain the maximum yield to be
sold on the market

Extensive farming:
Characteristics:
Large quantities of livestock are reared in the open air
Examples:

North America and Australian ranches

Farms un Argentine Pampas and

Patagonia
 Intensive livestock farming:
Selected livestock is reared in barns and
feed on artificial feed
Animal are monitored by vets

Mechanised systems are used:

• Computer controlled feeding systems

• Mechanical milking
 Organic livestock farming:
Respect the environment and animal
welfare

They use semi-extensive systems:

• Livestock don´t eat artificial feeds

and don´t kept permanently in
barns

• They don´t use stimulants and

medication is limited to the
essential

• They use local breeds

Production is lower but of a higher

quality