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Water Footprint Analysis of Sheep and Goat from Various Production Systems in Northern China

Author

Listed:
  • Fan Jiao

    (College of Information Science and Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jingzhong 030801, China)

  • Lili Nie

    (College of Information Science and Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jingzhong 030801, China)

  • Jiayuan Shao

    (College of Agricultural Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jingzhong 030801, China)

  • Ying Wang

    (College of Agricultural Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jingzhong 030801, China)

  • Yihan Du

    (College of Information Science and Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jingzhong 030801, China)

  • Xiaofeng Guo

    (College of Information Science and Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jingzhong 030801, China)

  • Hong Feng

    (State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company, Fenyang Power Supply Company, Fenyang 032200, China)

  • Zhenyu Liu

    (College of Agricultural Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jingzhong 030801, China)

Abstract

Water scarcity is a significant global problem. Considerable water resources are consumed in the production of livestock and poultry products, thus posing a huge challenge to global freshwater resources. Sheep meat has the second highest water footprint among livestock meat products. Furthermore, as the demand for sheep meat increases on a year by year basis, water consumption continues to rise as a result. In order to make better informed decisions around water management, it is necessary to estimate the water footprint of animal husbandry. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the water footprint of sheep in Northern China. It analyzes the water footprint of feed production and virtual water using CROPWAT, based on the water footprint of sheep and goats in Shanxi under different production systems and feed components. The water footprint was calculated to be 6.03 m 3 /kg for sheep and 5.05 m 3 /kg for goats, respectively. Therefore, the water footprint of three farming modes, including grazing mixed and industrial in the Shanxi region was slightly higher than what other experts have evaluated for China. These data provide crucial information that can help reduce water resource consumption in animal husbandry and contribute to the development of sustainable strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Fan Jiao & Lili Nie & Jiayuan Shao & Ying Wang & Yihan Du & Xiaofeng Guo & Hong Feng & Zhenyu Liu, 2023. "Water Footprint Analysis of Sheep and Goat from Various Production Systems in Northern China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:13:p:10504-:d:1186281
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bouwman, A.F. & Van der Hoek, K.W. & Eickhout, B. & Soenario, I., 2005. "Exploring changes in world ruminant production systems," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 84(2), pages 121-153, May.
    2. Toro-Mujica, Paula & Aguilar, Claudio & Vera, Raúl & Cornejo, Karen, 2016. "A simulation-based approach for evaluating the effects of farm type, management, and rainfall on the water footprint of sheep grazing systems in a semi-arid environment," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 75-85.
    3. A. Hoekstra & A. Chapagain, 2007. "Water footprints of nations: Water use by people as a function of their consumption pattern," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 21(1), pages 35-48, January.
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