Modern Livestock Farming: Trends, Production, and Systems

Livestock Farming

Current livestock breeding has undergone major transformations in structure and production.

a) Structural Changes: Specialization, Technology, and Intensification

Livestock production is increasingly specializing in either meat or milk, leading to the disappearance of dual-purpose breeds.

• Increased mechanization and farm size, resulting in rising yields.
• Intensive farming is gaining prominence over extensive methods.
• Food shortages for livestock often stem from rainfall scarcity in much of the territory, excluding Atlantic Spain.
• The size of many farms remains inadequate despite increasing concentration and a higher average number of animals per farm.
• Within the EU, livestock faces strong competition from global markets and surplus-producing countries.
• Animal health has improved, though outbreaks still affect exports due to strict Community health legislation.

b) Livestock Production Trends

Livestock production has increased, though its share of final agricultural production was lower at 38.6% in areas such as Asturias and Cantabria. Production components have also experienced significant changes.

Cattle Production

Cattle are primarily destined for milk and meat production. Location varies based on the fitness regimen:

• Dairy Cattle: Located in extensive or mixed systems in the northern peninsula, or intensive systems near cities to tap into urban markets and reduce transport costs. These operations utilize modern milking and insemination techniques, which involve high costs.
• Beef Cattle: Mainly located in mountain areas, forests, and the rangelands of the western peneplain and Sierra Morena, utilizing extensive systems.

Sheep Farming

Sheep are intended for meat and milk production, with high demand for cheese manufacturing. It operates in three regimes:

• Transhumance: The seasonal movement of livestock between winter and summer pastures.
• Rack (Grazing): A subsidiary of livestock farming that utilizes stubble and fallow land or is organized in large areas.
• Feedlot: Used for fattening lambs to obtain higher yields.

Swine Breeding

Swine breeding is intended for fresh consumption and the manufacture of sausages (embutidos). Location varies:

• Intensive/Industrial: Predominates in Catalonia, often using an integration system where a company provides raw materials and feed, while the farmer provides the stable and labor.
• Extensive: Based on indigenous quality breeds like the Iberian pig, located in Extremadura and Salamanca.

Poultry Breeding

Poultry breeding is intended for meat and egg production, primarily located in Catalonia, Castilla y León, and Aragon.