Strand 9 — Energy: Sustainable Energy Use and Environmental Best Management Practices in Animal Systems

Energy

The total energy used and embedded in animal production, including electricity, fuel for machinery, feed production, and more.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Proven methods used to minimize environmental impact while maintaining production goals.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing atmospheric carbon and storing it in soil organic matter and plant biomass.

Managed Grazing

A grazing management strategy that controls the timing and intensity of grazing to allow plant recovery.

Silvopasture

A practice that integrates trees into pasture systems to enhance carbon storage and improve microclimates.

Cover Crops

Crops planted during off-seasons to protect and enrich the soil.

Reduced Tillage

A farming practice that minimizes soil disturbance to retain soil carbon.

Nutrient Management Planning

A strategy that aligns nutrient applications with crop needs to minimize excess nutrient runoff.

Riparian Buffer

Vegetated areas along streams designed to filter pollutants and stabilize banks.

Anaerobic Digestion

A controlled process that breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas.

Energy Recovery

Practices that capture energy from waste or organic materials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Efficiency

The measure of output achieved per unit of input in production systems.

Low-Stress Handling

Techniques that minimize stress and injury during animal handling, improving productivity.

Soil Organic Matter

Stable organic compounds in the soil that enhance its fertility and carbon storage ability.

Precision Feeding

Feeding strategies that meet specific nutritional needs of animals to optimize feed efficiency.

Composting

A managed aerobic process that decomposes organic matter to create a stable soil amendment.

Heat Stress

A condition that decreases animal productivity and increases their energy needs for maintenance.

Erosion Control

Practices aimed at preventing soil erosion and nutrient transport due to water or wind.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat, crucial for ecosystem stability and resilience.

Animal Welfare

The humane treatment of animals, which is linked to productivity and environmental outcomes.

Renewable Energy

Energy generated from natural resources that are replenished, like solar or wind.

Pollutant Movement

The transfer of nutrients and sediments away from their source, often leading to environmental issues.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Gases like CO2 and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Soil Health

The condition of soil in terms of its biological, physical, and chemical properties that support plant growth.

Overgrazing

Excessive grazing that damages plant communities, decreases soil coverage, and leads to carbon loss.

Conservation BMPs

Practices focused on protecting natural resources while enabling productive agriculture.

Resource Depletion

The reduction of natural resources, which can occur through unsustainable farming practices.