Sustainable cattle farming in the tropics: How silvopastoral systems optimize water use and increase animal welfare

Current climate change requires an understanding of livestock management strategies that ensure rational water use, enhance productivity, and ensure animal welfare. Therefore, the study aimed to compare three pasture-based production systems, analyzing how intensified management and the inclusion of natural shading influence water intake, water productivity, and temperament expression in cattle raised in a tropical altitude climate region. Results demonstrated that Black Globe-Humidity Index and Radiant Heat Load were reduced in SPS (P<0.05), indicating improved thermal environmental conditions. Production system significantly influenced meat production and animal behaviour, as animals raised in NS ad SPS presented higher weight gain (P<0.05), and exhibited lower reactivity scores (P<0.05). Production system affected drinking behavior, with cattle in the EXT visiting the water through more frequently than those in the NS and SPS (P<0.05). Daily water intake was influenced by breed, with Canchim cattle consuming more water than Nelore (18.53 vs. 13.18 L/day; P<0.05). Water productivity did not differ among production systems (P>0.05), although Nelore cattle showed greater efficiency per unit of water consumed in SPS (P<0.05). Intensive grazing systems promoted greater weight gain per area and reduced animal reactivity compared with the extensive system. The production system did not significantly affect individual daily water intake or water productivity. However, the silvopastoral system showed the lowest total water use and the lowest water-related costs. The combination of lower total water demand, reduced water-related costs, and greater productive efficiency per unit area highlights the potential of these systems to contribute to both environmental and economic sustainability.