Livestock density index
The livestock density index provides the number of livestock units (LSU) per hectare of utilised agricultural area. The LSU is a reference unit which facilitates the aggregation of livestock from various species and ages. The LSU coefficients, which are at the basis of this indicator, are established by convention (originally, they were related to the animals' feed requirements, the reference being a dairy cow with an annual yield of 3000 kg milk, without additional concentrated feedstuffs). In the interpretation of the livestock density index, the limits of this theoretical unit are to be taken into account. The livestock species aggregated in the LSU total, for the purpose of this indicator, are: cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and rabbits. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Glossary:Livestock_density_index: The livestock density index is an indicator for the pressure of livestock farming on the environment. Livestock, through manure production, contributes to climate change (greenhouse gas emissions) and nutrient leaching into water and air. A higher livestock density means that a higher amount of manure is available per ha of UAA, which increases the risk of nutrient leaching. The actual impact on the environment of livestock farming is not only depending on the amount of livestock, but also depends on farming practices. An increase in the livestock index, therefore does not necessarily needs to lead to environmental degradation.
Definition:
Not available
Food system outcome type: environmental impacts
Category: ConservOfNaturalResources
Unit(s) of measurement description:
Livestock units (LSU) per hectare of utilised agricultural area (UAA)
Unit of measurement:
- Not specified
Supply chain components: