Livestock Methane Reduction: A Global Challenge Nutrition is the backbone of the production system. Feed is financially the single most important element of animal production system, irrespective of species. Feed costs can account for up to 70% of the total cost of production of an animal product. Nutritionally balanced feeding increases milk production of lactating animals. It also enhances growth rate and efficiency of meat-producing animals. Good nutrition also has the potential to increase reproductive efficiency, reflected in a higher cyclicity, lower age at first calving, lower inter-calving interval, higher productive life and higher profitability to farmers. Poor feeding decreases productivity and reproduction of the animal