Environmental impacts of intensive beef fattening: a case study in the Veneto region, Italy

Journal article

Beef farming is associated with substantial environmental impacts, and the assessment of intensive fattening systems is increasingly critical, particularly in light of growing animal welfare concerns. This study evaluates the environmental impacts of specialised beef fattening farms in the Veneto region of Italy at both the farm and regional levels. The decline in the number of animals fattened in these systems has led to a corresponding reduction in regional beef production-related emissions. For the first time, we also quantify the environmental impacts linked to animal welfare outcomes. We find that animals raised on slatted floors, which are associated with higher mortality rates, contribute disproportionately to these welfare-related environmental impacts. These findings offer valuable insights for both farmers and policymakers, underscoring the importance of integrating environmental and animal welfare considerations in the development of future housing and management strategies.

Authors: Martinić, O; Magrin, L; Poore, J; Caldart, V; Contiero, B

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Nature Research
• Journal: npj Sustainable Agriculture
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 1
• Article number: 35
• Publication date: 2026-04-13
• Acceptance date: 2026-04-02
• DOI: 10.1038/s44264-026-00151-y
• EISSN: 2731-9202
• ISSN: 2731-9202
• Language: English
• Keywords: Business; Environmental impact assessment; Production (economics); Agricultural science; Environmental science; Economics; Biology; Ecology; Microeconomics