Lincoln University study: diet diversity increases livestock productivity

As part of an experiment led by Professor Pablo Gregorini, livestock animals on pastures are offered a choice from a mixture of grasses, shrubs, flowers, and trees. This approach is based on years of research into animal behavior and feeding systems. The author of the theory emphasizes the connection between soil health, plants, livestock, and the quality of products consumed by humans.

Traditional livestock systems are often limited to grazing on one or two crops, such as clover, alfalfa, or ryegrass. Researchers suggest that a monotonous diet leads to a decrease in the animals' interest in feed and can negatively affect their physiological state. In the new system, livestock independently choose plants based on their needs for minerals or compounds for digestion, exhibiting individual dietary preferences.

Practical results have demonstrated the effectiveness of this method. According to Professor Gregorini’s team, the use of diverse diets contributed to an increase in the weight of beef cattle by approximately 15%, and milk production indicators rose by 10% compared to traditional feeding methods. Scientists note that a healthier and more productive individual allows farmers to achieve target indicators with lower stocking density, which potentially reduces the environmental load on pastures.

At the moment, the research group continues to study the influence of different feed compositions on the qualitative characteristics of meat and milk. The goal of the project is to find ways to design agricultural systems that are focused on the health of all links in the production chain, rather than just on maximizing output volumes.