Browsing by Author "Rivero MJ"

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    Key traits for ruminant livestock across diverse production systems in the context of climate change: perspectives from a global platform of research farms
    (CSIRO Publishing, 2021-01-08) Rivero MJ; Lopez-Villalobos N; Evans A; Berndt A; Cartmill A; Neal AL; McLaren A; Farruggia A; Mignolet C; Chadwick D; Styles D; McCracken D; Busch D; Martin GB; Fleming H; Sheridan H; Gibbons J; Merbold L; Eisler M; Lambe N; Rovira P; Harris P; Murphy P; Vercoe PE; Williams P; MacHado R; Takahashi T; Puech T; Boland T; Ayala W; Lee MRF
    Ruminant livestock are raised under diverse cultural and environmental production systems around the globe. Ruminant livestock can play a critical role in food security by supplying high-quality, nutrient-dense food with little or no competition for arable land while simultaneously improving soil health through vital returns of organic matter. However, in the context of climate change and limited land resources, the role of ruminant-based systems is uncertain because of their reputed low efficiency of feed conversion (kilogram of feed required per kilogram of product) and the production of methane as a by-product of enteric fermentation. A growing human population will demand more animal protein, which will put greater pressure on the Earth's planetary boundaries and contribute further to climate change. Therefore, livestock production globally faces the dual challenges of mitigating emissions and adapting to a changing climate. This requires research-led animal and plant breeding and feeding strategies to optimise ruminant systems. This study collated information from a global network of research farms reflecting a variety of ruminant production systems in diverse regions of the globe. Using this information, key changes in the genetic and nutritional approaches relevant to each system were drawn that, if implemented, would help shape more sustainable future ruminant livestock systems.
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    Make African grasslands climate-change resilient
    (Springer Nature Limited, 2025-02-14) Akpensuen TT; Cartmill AD; Pérez-Márquez S; Sheridan H; Lee MRF; Rivero MJ
    Climate change has negatively impacted grassland productivity in Africa. Climate-smart technologies such as forage grass, legume, and herb mixtures could enhance grassland productivity and resilience, offering a sustainable solution for African pasture-based livestock systems.
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    Perspectives on pasture establishment in New Zealand dairy systems: challenges, innovations, and agroecological implications
    (Frontiers Media S A, 2025-12-05) Cartmill AD; Rivero MJ; Cartmill DL; Donaghy DJ; Ye L
    The productivity and persistence of pasture species in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) are crucial for pastoral systems including the dairy, sheep, and beef industries and are predominantly based on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Increasingly, farmers are exploring other simple grass/legume mixtures and also incorporating mixed species swards. This perspective paper critically examines the methods and challenges associated with pasture establishment, focusing on seed germination, sowing techniques, and post-establishment management. It discusses the influence of environmental factors including soil type, moisture, and temperature on seed germination and seedling persistence, alongside the impact of grazing practices on pasture longevity. Economic considerations and environmental impacts of various establishment methods, including overgrazing, chemical termination, and direct drilling, are examined. This perspective paper also covers the integration of new technologies such as precision agriculture, robotics, and advanced seed genetics, noting barriers to their adoption. From an agroecological perspective, we argue for a systems-based approach that integrates biodiversity, farmer knowledge, and long-term resilience into pasture renewal strategies. We also identify research gaps related to species persistence, climate adaptation, and policy support, and call for collaborative innovation to ensure the future productivity and ecological integrity of NZ pastoral system. Lastly, the paper highlights the need for further research into long-term pasture performance, species persistence, and the effectiveness of emerging technologies to optimise pasture management in NZ changing climate.
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    Taking the steps toward sustainable livestock: our multidisciplinary global farm platform journey.
    (Oxford University Press, 2021-10-20) Rivero MJ; Evans ACO; Berndt A; Cartmill A; Dowsey A; Farruggia A; Mignolet C; Enriquez-Hidalgo D; Chadwick D; McCracken DI; Busch D; Pereyra F; Martin GB; Sanford GR; Sheridan H; Wright I; Brunet L; Eisler MC; Lopez-Villalobos N; Rovira P; Harris P; Murphy P; Williams AP; Jackson RD; Machado R; P T S; Puech T; Boland TM; Ayala W; Lee MRF