Modern Livestock Production Management Strategies for Resource-Efficient Animal Agriculture: A Review

Livestock production systems play a critical role in global food and nutritional security while exerting substantial pressure on land, water, energy, and the environment. Rapid growth in demand for animal-source foods has intensified the need for management strategies that improve productivity without proportional increases in resource use. This review synthesises contemporary advances in livestock production management with emphasis on resource efficiency, sustainability, and system resilience. Key themes include optimisation of feed and water use, precision nutrition, genetic improvement for productivity and adaptability, preventive health management, and deployment of precision livestock farming technologies. Evidence from global studies indicates that precision feeding and improved ration formulation enhance feed conversion efficiency and reduce nutrient excretion, while genomic selection accelerates genetic gains in productivity, feed efficiency, and climate tolerance. Preventive healthcare, biosecurity, and reduced antimicrobial reliance strengthen herd performance and public health safeguards. Integration of sensors, automation, data analytics, and Internet of Things platforms enables real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, supporting efficient use of inputs and early detection of health disorders. Environmental sustainability is addressed through greenhouse gas mitigation strategies, improved manure management, climate-resilient housing, and the application of life cycle assessment for benchmarking system performance. Socio-economic analyses highlight that economic viability improves when technological adoption is coupled with capacity building, institutional support, and coherent policy frameworks. The review identifies persistent research gaps related to long-term system interactions, scalability of digital innovations, and alignment of productivity goals with environmental outcomes. Addressing these gaps through interdisciplinary research and evidence-based policy will be central to advancing resource-efficient and sustainable livestock production systems.