Animal nutrition in a 360-degree view and a framework for future R&D work: towards sustainable livestock production

As a result of a growing population, national economies and urbanisation the consumption of animal products has risen sharply and will also rise substantially in the future, leading to a huge demand for animal feed. This paper illustrates that feed impacts almost all sectors and services of the livestock sector and its sustainability hinges on how feed is produced and fed. A 360-degree view of animal nutrition is presented, illustrating linkages between animal nutrition and various other domains of the livestock sector, for example productivity, reproductive efficiency, environment including biodiversity, land degradation and land-use change, animal welfare and health, food-fuel-feed competition, product safety and quality, among others. Based on the 360-degree view a framework for future research and development work in animal nutrition is presented. This framework has three components: the first one seeks better knowledge and in-depth analysis of the impact of feed and feeding on various domains of the livestock production system; the second one focuses on the impact of ongoing changes such as climate change, increases in cost of and volatility in feed prices, decreases in water and arable land availability, global trade of feedingstuffs, and high food losses; and the third one deals with providing solutions to challenges through technology, policy and institutional development measures. A multi- and trans-disciplinary approach is suggested for implementation of the framework. Application of the framework would contribute towards producing adequate, safe and nutritious food in a humane way in the face of rapid population growth; reducing impact on the environment and biodiversity; and promoting social equity.