The livestock sector is a key component of EU agriculture but also a major contributor to environ-mental pressures, particularly through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ammonia emissions and nutrient losses to soils and water. Feeding strategies play a crucial role in mitigating these impacts while sustaining or even improving animal productivity. This study systematically searched and re-viewed 60 meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2024, covering 98 feeding techniques and their effects on climate, environment, and production outcomes. The techniques, grouped into ani-mal and feed management, diet formulation and feed additives and rumen manipulation, were as-sessed across nine impact areas for both ruminants and monogastric animals. Results showed that, while several techniques had consistently positive effects on specific environmental outcomes, very few offered co-benefits for both emissions reduction and productivity. Effects varied by livestock type, experimental setup, and technique characteristics. This evidence base can support EU policies such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Industrial Emissions Directive, and the Farm to Fork Strategy, offering science-based guidance to promote more sustainable livestock systems.
BOSCO Simona;
CHEN Mathilde;
BIELZA Maria;
MONTERO CASTAÑO Ana;
SCHIEVANO Andrea;
CATARINO Rui;
GUERRERO Irene;
TAMBURINI Giovanni;
PEREZ-SOBA Marta;
WEISS Franz;
DENTENER Frank;
TERRES Jean-Michel;
VAN DER VELDE Marijn;
MAKOWSKI David;
2025-11-10
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC143817
978-92-68-33321-1 (online),
1831-9424 (online),
EUR 40523,
OP KJ-01-25-557-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC143817,
10.2760/3398918 (online),
