Green Practices Guideline for Livestock Sector

PART II: ASSESSMENT 2.1 ABOUT THE ASSESSMENT OF GREEN PRACTICES Green practices in the livestock sector in Malaysia aim to foster innovation, minimise resource usage, eliminate or minimise toxic substances, reduce waste generation, and achieve sustainable farming practices throughout the entire livestock production cycle. While facing certain constraints, the industry recognises the importance of embracing sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability and environmental stewardship. This guideline has been specifically developed considering the unique capacities, operations, and environmental impacts of the livestock sector. It provides a framework for implementing green practices that are applicable and beneficial across various livestock operations in Malaysia. The goals of green practices in the livestock sector include: RESOURCE CONSERVATION: The industry aims to conserve valuable resources such as water, land, and energy. By implementing sustainable farming practices, including efficient water management, responsible land use, and energy-efficient facilities, livestock farmers can minimise resource waste, protect natural habitats, and reduce the environmental footprint of their operations. REDUCTION OF HARMFUL PRACTICES: Green practices focus on minimising the use of harmful practices that can negatively impact animal welfare, environmental health, and public safety. This includes measures such as implementing proper waste management systems to minimise pollution, reducing the use of antibiotics and other chemicals, and promoting responsible animal husbandry practices that prioritise animal welfare and health. SUSTAINABLE FEED AND NUTRITION: The livestock sector can embrace sustainable feed and nutritional practices to reduce its environmental impact. This includes promoting the use of locally sourced feed ingredients, reducing reliance on imported feed, and exploring alternative protein sources. Sustainable feed practices aim to minimise deforestation, promote responsible agricultural practices, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with feed production. The guideline provides general recommendations that can be applied across different livestock sectors within the industry. It emphasises the importance of adopting and implementing green practices in Malaysia’s livestock sector. These recommendations enable farmers, ranchers, and livestock producers to develop action plans and implementation strategies tailored to their specific capabilities, operations, and long-term sustainability goals. By following the outlined steps, livestock companies and farmers can develop comprehensive action plans for integrating green practices into their existing and future livestock operations. The approach takes into account the sector’s current capabilities and strategies, ensuring a practical and achievable transition towards sustainability and responsible resource management. Overall, embracing green practices in the livestock sector in Malaysia is crucial for conserving natural resources, protecting the environment, reducing environmental impacts, and promoting the sector’s long-term viability in alignment with global sustainability goals. By adopting sustainable farming practices, the livestock sector can contribute to the sustainable management of resources and ensure a thriving and resilient industry for future generations. 32 GREEN PRACTICES GUIDELINE FOR LIVESTOCK SECTOR