FAO, IDF and IFCN develop world map of animal feeding systems in dairy sector

The International Dairy Federation (IDF), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN) have developed, in partnership and with support from the animal feed industry, a world map of animal feeding systems in the dairy sector. The first results will be presented at the Sustainable Feed Security Conference at the IDF World Dairy Summit, on 18 October 2011.

 Actions to positively respond to sustainability challenges have become more broadly embedded within the dairy sector's strategy. Animal feeding is of critical importance as it is the first step in milk production, and therefore its impact can be observed at every level of the dairy chain.

 The links between animal feeding, environment, food safety, animal health and human nutrition are crucial. Current research is focused on how altering animal diets could help reduce the sector's carbon footprint and also address other related aspects of critical importance, such as optimizing milk nutrient composition, retaining and increasing productivity and maintaining and improving animal health and welfare. "Continued investment in research, development and knowledge transfer is required to move the industry forward and improve the uptake of best practice measures. Sharing best practice will promote decision-making based on sound science." said Richard Doyle, IDF President.

 The IDF/FAO/IFCN project sets the starting point for the future evolution of animal feeding systems in the dairy sector. "The data will allow us to take animal feeding systems into account to further improve milk production worldwide. Thanks to the work undertaken by IDF and its partners we will be able to identify and implement solutions tailored to the different needs and requirements of diverse milk production scenarios all over the world." commented Benoît Rouillé, project leader.