The role of Ruminants in Food production and their role in Dutch landscape

This report looks at the role of ruminants in food production and their role in our landscape. Ruminants, such as cattle, sheep and goats, play an important role in the production of high quality animal protein and carbohydrates. However, the methods used to produce this animal protein vary greatly between different production systems, countries and types of ruminants. In recent decades, ruminant animal protein production systems around the world have come under increasing scrutiny. Points of discussion include the use of feed that can be consumed by humans, overgrazing, methane emissions and the overall health and welfare of ruminants in production systems. In countries with more intensive agriculture, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, New Zealand and Ireland, nutrient leaching and ammonia emissions are also discussed. Considering that the production of food by ruminants always has some negative consequences, among other basic needs, it is important that we are aware of the added value of ruminants. However, due to a growing divide and a declining number of ruminant farmers, society is less aware of this added value. This Nuffield report examines the role of ruminants in the natural and food systems. The main question of this report is: What is the role of ruminants in the nature and food system? To answer this main question, several sub-questions are formulated: (a) What is the role of ruminants in natural areas such as savannas, grasslands and nature reserves in the Netherlands? (b) What is the net protein production of ruminants and what are the differences between different countries and production systems? (c) What are the negative impacts of ruminants on landscapes and food systems? (d) What global developments are taking place that may affect the role of ruminants? The report consists of several chapters covering different aspects related to ruminants.