Abstract

MILERA-RODRIGUEZ, Milagros de la Caridad et al. Intensive rational grazing as alternative for low-emission animal husbandry. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2019, vol.42, n.1, pp. 3-12. ISSN 2078-8452.

In order to review essential aspects of the contribution of intensive rational management to low-emission animal husbandry, a set of effects related to climate change and its repercussion on the soil-plant-animal relation were considered, in which emphasis is made on the results obtained in Cuba. The world faces extreme climate events, such as: drought, flooding, temperature increase, among others. In turn, the decrease in land productivity, soil degradation and pastures, decrease of animal production, make countries more vulnerable to climate change. The world agriculture represents 14 % of greenhouse gas emissions; while Cuba is responsible for 18 % of the total emissions. The studies conducted on intensive rational grazing have had positive repercussion in different countries of the area. There are results on the rational management of different cultivated grasses and its effect on the stability of floristic composition, dry matter availability, pests and diseases, nutrient recycling, soil biota and underground phytomass. From the contribution of the ecological management of intensive grazing systems to develop low-emission animal husbandry, results are provided that represent a resilient choice in the face of climate change and a contribution to the food self-sufficiency of countries. In this sense, the challenge is the transition or reconversion of conventional systems to agroecological, resilient systems, which allow to decrease CO2-eq emissions and increase sinks.

Keywords : adaptation; climatic change; species.

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