Modelling livestock and grassland systems under climate change

The livestock and grassland theme (LiveM) of the MACSUR (Modelling Agriculture with Climate Change for Food Security) (www.macsur.eu) knowledge hub brings together partners from across Europe to develop a pan-European modelling capability in the area of livestock systems modelling of climate change adaptation and mitigation. Through the project, inventories of grassland, animal and farm-scale models, as well as datasets related to grasslands and livestock have been compiled. Model inter-comparisons have taken place for grassland models, and a model evaluation protocol is being developed. Farm-scale modellers are undertaking a model inter-comparison exercise, and the theme has formed links to related projects in order to bring together a more coherent livestock systems modelling community. The need for better knowledge exchange within the livestock research community has been highlighted within the project, and is a focus for further action. The knowledge hub concept creates an arena for collaboration between research groups, disciplines and projects essential for tackling complex global issues such as the impact of climate change on agriculture.