Protection of the environment in animal production : biosystems, ecology and waste treatment

Abstract

In this paper, the environmental sustainability of animal agriculture is examined from a systems engineering perspective. The boundary between the system and its environment is defined so that all inputs and outputs can be identified. Regardless of how difficult it may be to do so, ultimately animal production systems have the authority and responsibility to exercise control over all outputs, whether market or non-market (leakage). Current attempts to regulate animal production systems based on prescribing allowable technologies and management practices, or based on monitoring the environment, are failing. Despite the inherent difficulties associated with monitoring leakage, especially from extensive animal production systems, it is this approach to regulation and management that has the greatest potential to ensure the long-term environmental sustainability and social responsibility of animal agriculture.