What is the main difference between conventional and pasture-based livestock systems?

Pasture-based livestock systems primarily rely on grazing animals on pasture, which typically provides natural forage that is high in fiber and essential nutrients. This system emphasizes the animal's natural behaviors, allowing them to graze, forage, and exhibit natural interactions. The main characteristic of pasture-based systems is the focus on forage rather than concentrated feeds, which aligns more with promoting animal welfare and sustainability.

In contrast, conventional livestock systems often emphasize high-energy, grain-based diets to maximize growth rates and feed efficiency. This approach can lead to animals being fed significant quantities of grains and other concentrated feeds, which are not the primary diet for ruminants under natural conditions.

Thus, the correct understanding highlights that pasture-based systems do not prioritize grain-based diets as suggested. Rather, they emphasize the use of forage, aligning with animal health, behavior, and environmental sustainability. This distinction underscores the fundamental operational differences between the two systems.