A particularly sane, sensible and equitable news report—one that takes an uncommon global perspective about optimal meat consumption—reviews recent diet guidelines recommended by some of the world’s foremost scientists in diet-, health- and environment-related fields and published in a leading medical journal. Continue reading
Category Archives: Cattle
Greenhouse gas emissions from dung patches in developing countries are ‘likely highly overestimated’—New report
A new research paper published by scientists of the Mazingira Centre (‘mazingira’ means ‘environment’ in Swahili) of the Nairobi-based International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) reports evidence that greenhouse gas emissions from dung patches in developing countries are ‘likely highly overestimated’ in global livestock emissions estimates. Continue reading
In Tanzania, a better cow is the way to a better future
Farmers who participate in the breeding programs and collect routine data on their cows’ health, growth and productivity receive personalized coaching and advice from livestock outreach specialists via routine visits and SMS messages on their phones. Continue reading
When ‘Do no harm’ is harder than ‘doing good’
Agricultural researchers working to enhance traditional pasture conservation by Tanzania’s pastoral Maasai communities are systematically addressing gendered norms and roles to ensure that they don’t end up hurting more than helping these communities. Continue reading
How changing the world’s food systems can help to protect the planet
Food systems must be transformed to produce more nutritious food with a lower environmental footprint. There are a number of initiatives around the world working towards this end. Here are just five that use different kinds of science—from smart approaches to breeding livestock and crops to recycling wastewater—that could help humans settle their growing debt to the planet. Continue reading
DNA sequencing of indigenous African cattle reveals vital clues to increasing productivity
Important sources of meat, milk, traction and manure across Africa, cattle will become even more significant as demand for meat and milk is expected to more than double in sub-Saharan Africa from 2000 to 2030. Continue reading
Minister headlines Arusha livestock fair
The minister’s speech extolled the benefits of a sustainable livestock sector and affirmed the government’s commitment to raising the profile of animal-sourced foods Continue reading