Ruminant farming and biodiversity
This document outlines the fundamental role of ruminant livestock farming in maintaining biodiversity, whether ordinary or domesticated. Moreover, the grasslands preserved by livestock farming are crucial for biodiversity conservation. They are home to numerous wild species, providing a rich variety of fauna and flora. Their maintenance prevents scrub encroachment, which is associated with biodiversity loss.
At the landscape level, diverse landscapes and agroecological infrastructures (AEIs) maintained through ruminant farming play a key role in biodiversity preservation. AEIs serve as refuges, hunting grounds, and movement corridors for many species.
At the same time, herbivore feeding practices also influence biodiversity conservation. Animals are largely fed with farm-produced feed (forage, grass, etc.), but improving protein self-sufficiency remains a core concern for the sector in order to reduce imports and ensure the traceability and sustainability of feed production.
Furthermore, agricultural practices directly impact biodiversity conservation. Proper mowing, grazing, fertilization, and crop diversity practices are beneficial to both fauna and flora species. Finally, in France, livestock farming maintains a wide variety of ruminant breeds, thereby contributing to the preservation of domestic biodiversity.