Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Second, and often overlooked or poorly under-
stood by some, animals have a critical role in
natural and man-managed nutrient and energy
(e.g. organic residues) cycles combined with and
in synergy with the sun, water, air, plants and
the landscape to foster and enrich soil health
and productivity (Janzen, 2011). In recent
years, the essential nature of having animals as
part of whole systems (natural or man-man-
aged) has been increasingly addressed and dem-
onstrated (Savory Institute, 2012). This is being
examined with increasing and thorough scien-
tific scrutiny. The physical, fertility (nutritional)
and energetic influences of animals in sustain-
able agro-ecosystems are coming to the fore-
front. Last, especially crucial to a future
sustainable animal agriculture, are the rumi-
nants (e.g. cattle, goats and sheep, etc.). The
microbial fermentation in their forestomachs
(rumen and reticulum) breaks down structural
carbohydrates and can use low-quality protein
(e.g. non-protein N sources) to yield microbial
protein and energy substrates (e.g. volatile fatty
acids) absorbed and used by the animal's tissues
for maintenance, growth, lactation and preg-
nancy. Ruminants also are able to utilize bio-
mass grown on land not suitable for effective
direct production of human-edible foods or bio-
fuels and convert it to high-quality animal pro-
teins with associated dietary essential fats,
vitamins and minerals, and energy for humans.
less developed countries, animals directly sup-
port and enhance the security and standard of
living of an estimated 600 million small farmers
predominantly on a local basis (Thornton
et al
.,
2006). Total meat production in developing
countries tripled between 1980 and 2002; for
example, in eastern Asia with rapid growth of
poultry and swine production (World Bank,
2009). However, in developed countries produc-
tion and consumption of animal products are
increasing only very slowly or have plateaued,
although still available in significant quantities.
In more industrialized countries slightly over
half of the agriculture gross domestic product is
from animal agriculture and associated
upstream merchandizing (World Bank, 2009).
Demand
It is well established that primary factors increas-
ing future global demand for animal products
are: (i) population growth; (ii) urbanization; and
(iii) increasing disposable incomes (Delgado,
2005; Steinfeld
et al
., 2006). Global population
is projected at more than 9 billion people by
2050 compared with about 6.8 billion in 2010
(United Nations Population Division, 2012).
Second, the vast majority of growth (over 70%
increase) is to occur in urban areas with simul-
taneously declining (about 13%) rural popula-
tions. Urban growth is forecasted to be greatest
(over 80% increase) in Asia (e.g. China and
India) and sub-Saharan Africa (greater than
twofold increase). Urbanization in developing
countries with associated increased infrastruc-
ture for transportation and food preservation
will allow greater distribution of perishable ani-
mal products (Delgado, 2005). In contrast,
human population numbers in Latin America
and the Caribbean, Oceania, Europe and North
America are predicted to remain relatively con-
stant. Although future economic growth is pro-
jected to be less in developed versus developing
countries, it is expected to continue moderately
(Rosegrant
et al
., 2009; Van Vuuren
et al
., 2010).
Concurrently, animal agriculture products will
be marketed increasingly through global agri-
business supply-value chains (Rosegrant
et al
.,
2009; Chapter 12).
The total consumption of milk and meat is
projected to be two- to approaching threefold
greater in developing than developed countries
Trends in animal
production and societies
Animal agriculture has both positive and nega-
tive influences on the natural resource base,
human health, social equity and economic
growth (World Bank, 2009). It is one of the most
rapidly growing sectors in developing countries,
already a third of the total gross domestic agri-
culture production, and increasing. Also, global
animal agriculture utilizes about a third of the
earth's land area and has an estimated asset
value of over US$1.4 trillion (Steinfeld
et al
.,
2006). However, there is a vivid dichotomy
currently in the characteristics of animal agri-
culture between developed and developing
countries. In more developed countries globally
connected market-value chains have emerged in
recent decades (Chapters 1 and 12), whereas, in
