Is it possible to combine animal welfare and mitigation strategies? A network analysis

While concerns about the environmental issue intensify, agricultural activities continue to be a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Among these activities, those related to livestock farming stands out. Consequently, matters such as climate change and the depletion of finite natural resources need to be addressed while ensuring the global food demand for the future generation. Several surveys focused on finding solutions for these challenges overcoming potential hindrances. Livestock systems are required to address, among other objectives, animal welfare and environmental issues, potentially through a single pathway toward a twofold objective. The aim of this study is to assess whether livestock farmers implement management practices that can achieve a dual objective: enhancing animal welfare performance while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. To this end, the study analyzed 102 papers and conducted both a descriptive analysis and a network analysis to examine the existence of livestock practices serving this dual function since according to our knowledge there are no previous researches covering this analysis. The study followed the PRISMA protocol and used the software Vosviewer. The results underscore the importance of fostering connections between animal welfare and environmentally friendly practices. Developing harmonized strategies that optimize both natural and farm resources is crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural systems. • Network analysis links animal welfare and mitigation strategies. • Livestock sustainability requires systemic, multi-actor transformation. • Co-designed mitigation strategies enhance system resilience and long-term viability.