Grassland-based beef production: a case study on the economic impact and ecosystem services in a Limousin cattle farm

Summary

This case study assessed the economic impact of grassland-based beef production and associated ecosystem services in a commercial Limousin cattle farm. It aimed to determine (1) the technical and economic performances of different fodder crops including permanent and temporary grasslands, (2) how grazed grass and self-produced fodders are utilised by young bulls and heifers, and (3) associated ecosystem services including carbon fixation of permanent grassland soils and beef meat quality produced from grass. Data were collected from 2013 to 2015. Dry matter yield, nutritional value and cost price were determined for each fodder crop. Animals were weighed every three weeks. In 2015, meat samples from seven bulls finished on pasture were analysed for fatty acids composition. Average daily gains ranged from 1.29 kg day-1 in 2015 to 1.35 in 2014 for young bulls grown on grazed grass without supplementation. Grassland soil carbon content linearly increased with grassland age. The meat polyunsaturated fatty acids content increased with grazing duration. In conclusion, this study showed that grassland allows an increase in both the economic and environmental sustainability of beef production systems but also offers nutritional health benefits to the consumer.