Livestock Farming Systems

Book excerpt: Livestock farming increasingly means much more than just food production and product quality is no longer simply synonymous with food safety and the provision of energy and protein nutrients. This book examines the variety of reasons for this shift in thinking and provides a basis for a new approach to livestock farming systems. The topical issues for product quality based on local resources are addressed from a variety of angles, including genomics, land use, the consumer preference and human nutrition. The book focusses on the following topics, using examples from all over the world: the current change in views and values on quality of animal products; the specificity of traditional dairy and meat products and the technology of processing; the role of local breeds and traditional livestock farming systems in today's society; the search for local avenues for sustainable development of livestock farming systems. The book serves as a reference point for scientists, practitioners in the livestock industry, teachers and students in animal sciences, national and international institutions and policy-makers. It is of interest to all those who wish to gain an overview of the current challenges in the establishment of priorities and the search for operational solutions for animal production development, while at the same time considering the benefit to consumers, the environment and local economies.