The impact of low-input grass-based and high-input confinement-based dairy systems on food production, environmental protection and resource use
Juliane Dentler, Lukas Kiefer, Theresa Hummler, Enno Bahrs, M. Elsaesser
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess if dairy intensification is associated with increased efficiency in food production, nutrient, and energy use. In-depth data from 12 high-input confinement-based and 12 low-input grass-based dairy farms in southwest Germany were analyzed. The study found that relative to high-input dairy systems, low-input grass-based dairy systems were 334% better in human-edible crude protein conversion efficiency and 328% better in human-edible gross energy conversion efficiency. Low-input dairy systems showed 28% higher nitrogen and 98% higher phosphorus use efficiencies. Results revealed no difference in energy conversion efficiency between the contrasting dairy systems. As a result, the ongoing intensification of dairy systems utilizing substantial amounts of human-edible crops, puts global food security at risk, has undesirable side effects on the environment and fails to utilize the evolutionary advantage of ruminants.