Bioinputs in livestock farming: Sustainability and innovation in the field

Bioinputs have been gaining prominence as sustainable tools in agricultural production. Originally popular in agriculture, they are expanding into livestock farming, where they offer solutions to promote animal health, improve productivity, and reduce environmental impact. Initiatives such as the National Bioinputs Program , run by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA), have driven adoption, especially in integrated and sustainable systems.

What are bioinputs and how important are they for livestock farming?

Bioinputs are products of biological origin, such as microorganisms, plant extracts and natural substances, used to improve biological processes in production systems.

In livestock farming, the following applications are already known:

• Animal health: Probiotics and prebiotics contribute to the microbiota and immune system of animals, which can result in reduced antibiotic use.

• Nutrition: Biofertilizers contribute to the enrichment of pastures, providing an increase in the quality of the animal's diet.

• Waste management: Specific microorganisms can be used to accelerate the decomposition of manure, transforming it into organic fertilizers.

These technologies offer environmental benefits, such as reduced chemical use and waste, and productive gains by contributing to feed efficiency and herd health.

Impact of bioinputs on Brazilian livestock farming

The National Bioinput Program highlights that approximately 40 million hectares in Brazil are managed with growth-promoting bacteria. Although most of this number is directly related to agriculture, livestock farming is adopting bioinputs in agricultural areas designated for animal feed and waste management.

Practical example: In Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest (ILPF) systems, biofertilizers are used to recover degraded pastures, while microorganisms are applied to transform waste into biofertilizers, promoting a sustainable production cycle.

Challenges: To expand the use of these resources, it is necessary to regulate the sector more specifically and promote information and training for livestock farmers in this area of knowledge.

Bioinputs and animal health

In livestock farming, bioinputs have specific applications that directly benefit animal health and well-being:

1. Probiotics and prebiotics:

   • They improve digestion and nutrient absorption, reducing food costs.

   • They strengthen the immune system, preventing gastrointestinal diseases.

     
     

2. Parasite control:

   • Natural bioinsecticides, such as those derived from Bacillus thuringiensis , are used to combat flies and ticks, reducing parasite resistance and the environmental impacts associated with residues.

     
     

These inputs help reduce dependence on antibiotics and other compounds, aligning with global demands for animal products free from chemical residues.

Sustainable solutions for waste management

Animal waste management is one of the major environmental challenges facing livestock farming. Specific microorganisms have been used to:

• Speed up composting: Turning manure into high-quality organic fertilizer.

• Produce biogas: Using biodigesters to generate energy from organic waste, reducing operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

These practices also contribute to the circular economy, generating by-products that benefit both agriculture and livestock farming.

Bioinputs and regenerative practices

Bioinputs are directly linked to regenerative practices, which seek to restore soil and ecosystem health. In livestock farming, this includes:

• Restoration of degraded pastures: Biofertilizers help restore vegetation cover, increasing productivity and carbon sequestration capacity.

• Biological nitrogen fixation: Specific microorganisms reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

• Increased biodiversity: Biological solutions promote balanced, pest-resistant ecosystems.

These practices improve the resilience of production systems and are essential to meeting global sustainability goals.

Challenges and opportunities

Although bioinputs offer clear benefits, challenges such as high initial costs, lack of specific regulations, and the need for technical training have limited their adoption.

Initiatives such as the local production of bioinputs and the expansion of incentive programs represent opportunities to expand their use in Brazilian livestock farming. Furthermore, the growing demand for sustainable products free of chemical residues indicates a promising market for livestock farmers who adopt these technologies.

Conclusion

Bioinputs are transforming livestock farming by offering solutions that combine productivity and sustainability. With applications in animal health, waste management, and soil regenerative practices, they help meet environmental and market demands.

Its growing adoption in Brazil positions livestock farming as an ally in tackling climate change and building more balanced and responsible systems.

References

1. Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply. National Bioinputs Program . Available at: gov.br . Accessed on: November 26, 2024.

2. Embrapa Soybean. Manual of Analysis of Bioinputs for Agricultural Use . Available at: ainfo.cnptia.embrapa.br . Accessed on: November 26, 2024.

3. Embrapa. Bioinputs: Growth Trends in Brazil . Available at: embrapa.br . Accessed on: November 26, 2024.

4. Tropical Agricultural Research. Bioinputs and Organic Production in Brazil . Available at: revistas.ufg.br . Accessed on: November 26, 2024.

5. Brazilian Journal of Agroecology. Bioinputs Based on the Contributions of Agroecology . Available at: periodicos.unb.br . Accessed on: November 26, 2024.