DR TEMPLE Grandin, the US scientist who used her autism to revolutionise handling methods and chutes for the humane treatment of cattle, has weighed in on the question of environmental impact of livestock, claiming that properly managed grazing actually improves the land.

With over 100 references, the innovative doctor evidenced her case in a recently-released academic paper and argued that livestock are a natural part of the cycle of life and discussed four basic types of grazing that exist.