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Environmental Sustainability of Dairy Cattle in Pasture-Based Systems vs. Confined Systems

Author

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  • Federica Salari

    (Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
    Research Center Nutraceuticals and Food for Health, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Chiara Marconi

    (Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Irene Sodi

    (Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Iolanda Altomonte

    (Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
    Research Center Nutraceuticals and Food for Health, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Mina Martini

    (Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
    Research Center Nutraceuticals and Food for Health, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the environmental impacts of pasture-based dairy cattle systems, focusing on the factors affecting the main impact categories. This paper also aimed at comparing data of the literature on environmental impacts in pasture-based vs. confined systems. The environmental impact of pasture-based dairy cattle systems appears to be highly influenced by several input factors. Life cycle assessments have shown significant variability in methodological approaches, which complicates the comparison of results across studies. The different variables affecting environmental impacts make it challenging to draw universally valid conclusions regarding the comparison of pasture-based and confined dairy systems on a global scale. In addition, the analysis of the variables highlights the considerable potential to reduce the environmental impact of milk production in both systems by adopting productivity-enhancing activities, low inputs and best management practices. Further aspects such as geographical factors, carbon sequestration, animal health and welfare, toxicological aspects due to the use of drugs and antimicrobials in animals and the maintenance of local animal breeds should be incorporated into LCAs for a full comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of dairy farms.

Suggested Citation

  • Federica Salari & Chiara Marconi & Irene Sodi & Iolanda Altomonte & Mina Martini, 2025. "Environmental Sustainability of Dairy Cattle in Pasture-Based Systems vs. Confined Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:3976-:d:1644848
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Irene Sodi & Mina Martini & Neus Sanjuàn & Sergio Saia & Iolanda Altomonte & Andrea Andreucci & Baldassare Fronte & Francesca Pedonese & Lorella Giuliotti & Roberta Ciampolini & Federica Salari, 2024. "Massese, Sarda and Lacaune Dairy Sheep Breeds: An Environmental Impact Comparison," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-12, June.
    2. Galloway, Craig & Conradie, Beatrice & Prozesky, Heidi & Esler, Karen, 2018. "Opportunities to improve sustainability on commercial pasture-based dairy farms by assessing environmental impact," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 1-9.
    3. Stanley, Paige L. & Rowntree, Jason E. & Beede, David K. & DeLonge, Marcia S. & Hamm, Michael W., 2018. "Impacts of soil carbon sequestration on life cycle greenhouse gas emissions in Midwestern USA beef finishing systems," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 249-258.
    4. Shine, P. & Scully, T. & Upton, J. & Shalloo, L. & Murphy, M.D., 2018. "Electricity & direct water consumption on Irish pasture based dairy farms: A statistical analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C), pages 529-537.
    5. Tiago G. Morais & Ricardo F. M. Teixeira & Nuno R. Rodrigues & Tiago Domingos, 2018. "Carbon Footprint of Milk from Pasture-Based Dairy Farms in Azores, Portugal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-22, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Aija Pilvere, 2025. "Efficiency and Emissions Performance in Latvian Dairy Farming: An LCA-Based Comparison Across Farm Sizes," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-24, October.

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