Global and European Status of Livestock

Posted on Sep 1, 2024 in Geography

Status of Spanish Livestock Worldwide and European

Cattle

When discussing cattle, distinctions must be made between:

  • Broiler meat production
  • Dairy milk

These specializations are so distinct that mixed breeding is no longer profitable.

Cattle production in OECD countries is increasing and is currently three times higher than U.S. production.

Within the EU

Germany and France, with outputs greater than 20%, hold significant influence over legislation in this field. Spain, with production up to 6%, has faced production quotas that have reduced its output.

Cattle for Fattening

Worldwide, the U.S. boasts the largest production at 11 million tons.

The top five producers are the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Consequently, the U.S. dictates the price of meat.

In Europe

Germany and France, once again, are at the forefront, setting the standard for Community legislation.

Spain, in sixth place, has been compelled to reduce its cattle population. Its production is split fifty-fifty between milk and meat.

Sheep and Goats

Globally, China boasts the highest yields, but the EU carries significant weight in this sector.

At the European Level

Spain holds a significant position, second only to Britain. These two nations have strengthened their positions by capitalizing on production reductions in other countries.

However, Spain’s specific gravity compared to England is diminished when considering meat tonnage, representing 10% instead of 20%.

The dominance of these animals in Spain is explained by the fact that cows require good pasture. Spain’s aridity reduces the quality of pastures, which wither in the summer. The English situation is an exception, as it possesses good grass and yet maintains a large sheep population, a testament to its cultural heritage.

Factors Affecting Animal Production

Historically, three factors were considered paramount, as they were the only ones manageable:

  • Genetic enhancement to create hybrids with better conditions and selection within the species
  • Feeding
  • Hygiene

Today, a broader concept is applied, encompassing factors such as:

  • Temperature: Each species has an optimum temperature range. For example, beef cattle thrive in cool to warm temperatures (20-25°C). Higher temperatures hinder productivity. Sheep prefer moderately high temperatures.
  • Degree of adaptation of the breed to the exploitation conditions:
    • Rustic breeds in extensive regimes tolerate greater temperature fluctuations.
    • Breeds in intensive regimes are less hardy and suffer outside their temperature range.
  • Example: A significant percentage of rabbit populations experience seasonal infertility.
  • Example: Brown Swiss Cow. Decreasing temperatures increase internal secretions that promote body development; the opposite occurs at high temperatures.
  • Relative humidity: In some species, high relative humidity (above 80%) impairs fertility.
  • Note: Increasing relative humidity generally boosts production, making it a favorable factor in inland areas. However, high humidity also contributes to the development of parasites and diseases, necessitating treatment.
  • Birds and rabbits are particularly susceptible to high humidity and illness.
  • Relative humidity below 50% hinders tissue development. These values are common in Spain, impacting growth.

While temperature and humidity are crucial, other factors also play a role:

  • Winds:
    • Strong winds increase disease spread, negatively impacting production. Animals become stressed, slowing fattening.
    • Gentle winds are beneficial, aiding sweat evaporation, improving pulmonary ventilation, and reducing pollution.
    • Calm areas with minimal wind hinder sweat evaporation, requiring animal movement and reducing production.
  • Sunlight: Sunlight’s strong bactericidal effects promote animal welfare.
    • Skin color:
      • Black: Best suited for warm climates and areas with low radiation.
      • Light-skinned or white: Adapted to warm climates with high sun exposure.
  • Covered areas: Providing sufficient shaded or wooded areas during peak sun hours is crucial for animal welfare.
  • Light:
    • Red light stresses birds and inhibits egg production.
    • Fluorescent light is suitable.
    • Green and blue light have calming effects, potentially reducing milk production in cows, which is difficult to recover.
  • Altitude: While influenced by temperature, altitude significantly impacts animal characteristics:
    • Mountain animals: Lively temperament, long hair, thick skin for temperature regulation, and small size.
    • Valley animals: Calmer temperament, heavy build, fine skin, larger size, and higher production.

Problems of Animal Production

  • Low efficiency of transformation: This refers to the amount of grain an animal consumes to produce a kilogram of meat.
    • Example: Cow 7:1
    • Birds 2:1
    • Humans 2:1

In underdeveloped regions, it’s often more efficient to utilize nutritional resources for human consumption, hindering livestock development.

Labor-intensive: Daily workforce requirements pose economic and social challenges. Feeding and milking necessitate consistent labor, increasing costs and commitment. Infrastructure: Maintaining adequate facilities is crucial. Outdated infrastructure, prevalent in Spain, requires costly modernization. Market competition: While modernization is necessary, market competition discourages risk-taking due to repayment concerns.

Systems of Animal Exploitation

Numerous modalities exist. With increasing management intervention, they are:

  • Nomadism
  • Extensive exploitation: When nomadic farming transitions to a fixed location with infrastructure.
  • Semi-intensive
  • Intensive
  • Ultra-intensive: Highly intensified management.