In industrialized countries
Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2025 10:20 am
cattle farming is losing popularity. Red meat consumption is declining among those who eat healthier diets, while plant-based milk is gaining ground. Of concern to those concerned about the environment is that cattle farming generates 7 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, more than any other type of livestock. Some experts predict that, as research advances, lab-grown meat—first introduced in 2013—could eventually replace conventional meat, reducing the need to raise animals for food.
However, demand for beef products is currently growing. According to estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global beef consumption will increase by buy phone number list 11% by 2033, and milk consumption by 17%. This trend is driven by population growth and improving economic conditions, which allow more people to afford animal protein. Livestock farmers are therefore faced with two key challenges: meeting growing demand despite worsening climate change, and reducing emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas produced by their animals.
On the productivity front, significant progress has been made, albeit unevenly. In India, for example, selective breeding and improved animal husbandry practices have increased daily milk production per cow from 3.8 litres in 2013 to 5.3 litres in 2022. Globally, the increase has been more modest, from 6.4 to 7.4 litres. In the poorest countries, however, productivity levels remain very low, which highlights huge potential for improvement. “The scope to close this gap is huge,” says Dominik Wisser of FAO.
However, demand for beef products is currently growing. According to estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global beef consumption will increase by buy phone number list 11% by 2033, and milk consumption by 17%. This trend is driven by population growth and improving economic conditions, which allow more people to afford animal protein. Livestock farmers are therefore faced with two key challenges: meeting growing demand despite worsening climate change, and reducing emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas produced by their animals.
On the productivity front, significant progress has been made, albeit unevenly. In India, for example, selective breeding and improved animal husbandry practices have increased daily milk production per cow from 3.8 litres in 2013 to 5.3 litres in 2022. Globally, the increase has been more modest, from 6.4 to 7.4 litres. In the poorest countries, however, productivity levels remain very low, which highlights huge potential for improvement. “The scope to close this gap is huge,” says Dominik Wisser of FAO.