Integrated assessment of greenhouse gas emissions in extensive livestock farming systems

Extensive livestock farming has been described only in part, with previous studies focusing mainly on individual aspects such as the breeds reared, economic profitability, or environmental impact. However, the current scenario of increasing climate uncertainty highlights the need for a more comprehensive description of typologies of extensive production systems. In this study, 52 dehesa farms were analysed between 2021 and 2022 using technical, economic and environmental indicators. To determine their main characteristics, a Principal Component Analysis was conducted, followed by Cluster Analysis. Three factors were identified: (i) level of intensification and emissions, (ii) land tenure and labour and (iii) dependence on CAP subsidies. These factors explained 67.63% of total variance, and based on them, four farm types were classified. Results showed that less intensive farms had lower environmental impact (cluster 1, 2, 3: 991.99, 727.20 and 1049.87 kg CO₂eq ha^-1 year^-1, respectively) and lower dependence on external inputs. More intensified farms (cluster 4: 2183.58 kg CO₂eq ha^-1 year^-1), although emissions were higher, showed better economic performance. Cluster 3 represented the most sustainable model since farms combined good technical and economic performance while applying regenerative environmental management practices. This classification can support the development of tailored management strategies to guide extensive livestock systems towards improved sustainability and resilience.