How are animal welfare and extensive livestock farming characterized in the dehesa?

Extensive livestock farming in the dehesa: a model of animal welfare and sustainability

When we talk about pata negra Iberian ham, that unmistakable flavor that represents the best of Spanish gastronomy, we rarely think about the unique breeding conditions that make this exceptional product possible. Behind its quality lies a unique ecosystem: the dehesa. This agro-silvo-pastoral system of the Iberian Peninsula combines animal welfare, respect for the environment, and gastronomic excellence in an exemplary way.

But how does extensive livestock farming in the dehesa guarantee animal welfare? What makes this ecosystem a model of sustainability? Let's discover together the secrets of this unique breeding system, which respects the five fundamental freedoms of animal welfare.

What is the dehesa, an ecosystem at the service of livestock farming?

The dehesa is a characteristic landscape of the Iberian Peninsula, formed by extensive wooded pastures dominated by holm oaks and cork oaks. It covers more than 3.5 million hectares in Spain (mainly in Extremadura and Andalusia) and Portugal (Alentejo).

It is not a totally natural landscape, but rather the result of centuries of human management that has managed to maintain the ecological balance and the ideal conditions for extensive livestock farming. Selective pruning, forest density control, and pasture rotation ensure an open ecosystem where biodiversity flourishes.

The dehesa is also a true refuge of Mediterranean biodiversity, with over 135 species of birds (such as the Imperial Eagle or the Black Stork), as well as fertile soils enriched by grazing and vegetation cover.

Animal welfare at the heart of extensive livestock farming

Dehesa farming respects the five fundamental freedoms of animal welfare, internationally recognized as a reference for assessing livestock living conditions.

Natural and balanced diet

In the dehesa, Iberian pigs enjoy a natural diet rich in acorns, herbs, roots, and mushrooms. This diet is the basis of Iberian bellota ham, famous for its fat infiltration and unique flavor.

Cattle and sheep also benefit from the diversity of pastures and legumes, ensuring a nutritional balance that does not exist in intensive livestock farming.

Ample space and natural comfort

With only 0.5 to 1 pig per hectare, animals enjoy freedom and space to express their natural behavior. The holm oaks provide shade and shelter, creating a cool microclimate essential in the Extremaduran summers.

Healthier and more resilient animals

Iberian pigs travel several kilometers each day in search of food, which strengthens their muscles and immune system. As a result, diseases common in intensive livestock farming are practically nonexistent in the dehesa.

Natural behaviors and social life

Animals feed, interact, and reproduce according to their natural rhythms. Freedom of movement and the peaceful environment reduce stress and promote their well-being.

The emblematic animals of the dehesa

The Iberian pig, the star

The Iberian pig is the undisputed protagonist. Depending on their diet, we find bellota pigs, fed exclusively on acorns during the montanera, and cebo de campo pigs, raised in freedom but with a supplement of natural feed.

Other dehesa animals

Bovines such as the Retinta breed or Merino sheep also play an essential role, maintaining the balance of pastures and promoting plant biodiversity.

The environmental benefits of the dehesa

A biodiversity refuge

The dehesa is home to over 60 mammal species, 135 bird species, and more than 1,000 different plants. The coexistence between wild fauna and extensive livestock farming is one of its great values.

An ally against climate change

Thanks to its centenary holm oaks and permanent pastures, the dehesa acts as an important carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change.

Landscape maintenance and fire prevention

Grazing regulates vegetation and reduces the risk of forest fires, while preserving a cultural landscape recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Conclusion

Extensive livestock farming in the dehesa is a perfect example of the balance between agricultural production, animal welfare, and nature conservation. Its sustainable model ensures the quality of Iberian ham and other products, while protecting a unique ecosystem. Preserving the dehesa means betting on a future where tradition, sustainability, and gastronomy go hand in hand.