Livestock production and the global environment: Consume less or produce better?

Background

Global demand for livestock products rises rapidly, especially in developing countries. Although livestock production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, land use change, and nitrogen cycle disruptions, producers can reduce its environmental impact by improving production efficiency. This study evaluates whether shifting to more efficient livestock systems offers a viable path to mitigate these impacts, rather than relying solely on consumption reduction.

Goals and Methods

The study investigates how trends in global livestock production influence environmental sustainability and focuses on two key mitigation strategies: (1) transitioning from ruminants to monogastric animals such as pigs and poultry, which emit less GHG, and (2) boosting productivity through improved feed conversion, advanced genetics, and technological innovation. Researchers analyze historical data on livestock production efficiency, land use changes, and emission intensities across different production systems worldwide.

Conclusion

The study shows that although livestock production imposes substantial environmental costs, targeted efficiency improvements can significantly reduce its impact. Shifting to monogastric species and adopting high-efficiency practices lower land and resource use per unit of animal protein. Advances in feed technology, breeding, and waste management further reduce emissions without cutting total production. However, the study cautions that intensifying production is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may create social and ecological trade-offs, particularly for smallholder farmers in developing regions.