Beef cattle feeding and management quality improvement: Cost-benefit analysis

This document presents a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of a livestock management system in Portugal, focusing on economic, environmental, and social impacts. It details high initial costs for authorization, infrastructure, and machinery, alongside ongoing maintenance and working capital demands. Economic benefits include moderate reductions in feed, fertilizer, and pesticide use, with a mid-range payback period; energy savings and product value increases remain unquantified. Environmental gains are substantial in nitrogen cycling, soil regeneration, and animal welfare, with moderate biodiversity improvements. Social benefits include significant workload reduction, though youth participation is not addressed. The system is supported by EU funding and references Portuguese-language guidelines and manuals. Key metrics include input reduction, sustainability performance, and long-term productivity gains.