Pablo is the Professor of Livestock Production & Agricultural Systems at Lincoln University, as well as the director of the Lincoln University Pastoral Livestock Production Lab’ and Head of the Lincoln University Centre of Excellence for Designing Future Productive Landscapes. Internationally, Pablo chairs the International Scientific Committee for the Nutrition of Herbivores, and serves in the International Scientific Committee for farm systems design. Recently, Pablo joined the International Scientific Board of ALEPH (Interdisciplinary consortium of scientist working on ‘the role of Animal Foods in Healthy, Sustainable and Ethical Diets), and has been induced by invitation to NITRO-Oceania, Network of Interdisciplinary Research Organizations-Oceania.
Pablo spoke about how the use of grazing livestock plays an essential role in ecology. However there has been a number of challenges where things have gone wrong. This can be social and environmental pressure. But what is deemed “broken”?
“no single forage has the perfect balance….”
Monocultures do not give animals the ability to be able to choose. Pablo shared a video where three monocultures side by side of ryegrass, Lucerne, and chicory. Where animals as a group did not show preference. So what does this mean for our monoculture pastures?
This particluar trial showed a signficant change in ….
- Decreased MUN
- 48% increase in weight gain
- Increase in milk solids
- Drier faeces
- 8% increase total antioxidant status
- 80% reduction in NEFAs
While we consider the impacts for animal health, Pablo discusses the link and benefits of what animals consume to the human nutrition components.
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