Appropriate Grazing and Browsing

Most human activities impact the environment and the keeping of livestock is no exception. Animal agriculture is frequently blamed for adverse effects on the environment. However, the positive role of livestock in environmental conservation is rarely emphasised to the same extent. The extent of impact from livestock on the environment, and whether the interaction is negative or beneficial, depends on the nature and level of management of the livestock concerned. | Excessive Grazing and Browsing (Overgrazing) Reduction of Ground Cover Balance between Grasses, Shrubs and Trees

> Well managed grazing: Grazing modifies plant communities and can be managed to sustain or to enhance desirable plant species and can be neutral or beneficial, for example to watersheds and to wildlife.

> Poorly managed grazing: Improperly managed grazing can have potentially serious effects on the environment. Badly managed grazing has an adverse impact on watersheds, e.g. through the resulting erosion, and may have a serious impact on wildlife through habitat change

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