Livestock Feed Baskets

Photo: Georgina Smith (CIAT)

Identifying decision-makers who use feed basket data and understanding the key barriers they face

Animal diets (feed baskets) are diverse and variable both spatially and temporally. However, there is a lack of reliable feed basket data. Feed-basket composition is a major determinant of the environmental impact of livestock, including both the production of feed and the impact feed quality and quantity has on animal productivity.  Better data would allow for more accurate assessments of the overall impact of the sector, as well as for a more nuanced representation of different production systems in different contexts. At the same time, a more accurate representation of what animals are currently eating would improve our ability to predict feed requirements and design strategies to improve feed supply, as well as to make projections for possible evolutions of the sector. 

Scoping initiative

The LD4D Network and Cornell University’s Food Systems and Global Change programme have formed a partnership to find solutions for some of these challenges. This initiative aims to conduct a comprehensive scoping analysis to identify decision-makers who use feed-basket data and understand the key barriers they face. The findings will establish a solid foundation for a future Solutions Group to address specific feed-related data gaps through innovative data solutions. By understanding stakeholder priorities, this collaboration seeks to align data solutions with real-world needs, ensuring meaningful impact. 

The main goals of this study are:

  • Map Stakeholders and Their Needs - Conduct a comprehensive landscape analysis to identify key decision-makers categorizing them according to common challenges and data requirements.

  • Enhance Dialogue and Collaboration - Share the findings with the LD4D network and engage members in providing feedback, facilitating collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to build consensus on priorities and approaches.

  • Develop a Foundation for a Solutions Group - Identify and prioritize actionable solutions to overcome feed-basket data challenges such as gaps in feed composition, availability, cost, gender implications, and environmental impact.  

Next steps

The results of the landscaping analysis will be shared with the LD4D network in 2025 providing members with the opportunity to feedback on the findings. This collaborative process will ensure the study is validated and reflects the diverse perspectives and needs of stakeholders across the livestock sector. To foster further dialogue, we will disseminate the findings through targeted events, creating platforms for discussions on feed-basket data challenges and potential solutions.

Looking ahead, we plan to establish a dedicated Solutions Group by the end of 2025. This group will focus on developing evidence-based strategies and practical tools to address the identified challenges. By bringing together multidisciplinary expertise and leveraging the collective strength of the LD4D network, this initiative will contribute towards more productive and sustainable livestock systems.  

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