Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
animals; they represent an important contribution to human welfare. Animal source
foods are highly palatable to most humans and are of higher nutrient density and
bioavailability than many plant source foods. Through science-based production
technologies, global consumption of meat, milk, and eggs has increased markedly in
recent decades and is projected to continue. A straight-line increase in animal source
food consumption has been observed for many decades in all developing countries
as family incomes rise. This linear relationship between income and animal source
food demand continues except in the economically advantaged countries, where ani-
mal source food demand plateaus as incomes rise.
Domesticated animals make other important contributions. They remain the
major source of draft power for tillage and harvesting of crops and for transportation
in many parts of the world. They provide wool, mohair, and fur, hides, and leather
for clothing and other uses, and their products are used in industry, pharmaceuticals,
and clinical medicine. Many advances in biological science and human medicine
have been based on research with domestic animals. Animals have long been impor-
tant to human culture as indicators of wealth and status and as religious symbols.
Companion animals continue to play a major role in human societies. Guide dogs,
dogs in rescue, drug and contraband detection, and cats in nursing homes and homes
for the elderly are clear examples of the human-animal bond.
food AnImAls, theIR PRoducts, And
sustAInAble AgRoecology
The trend toward increased per capita demand for animal source foods is occur-
ring primarily in developing countries, which account for approximately 80%
of the world population and, in many cases, have high population growth rates.
Demand for animal source foods increases as income and urbanization rise. Large
increases are projected in global demand for meat, milk, and eggs over the next
two decades (Delgado et al., 1999; Delgado, 2003, Naylor et al., 2005, Steinfeld
et al., 2006). In response to this demand, global meat production is projected to
more than double from 229 million metric tons (mmt) in 1999-2001 to 465 mmt
in 2050, and milk production is expected to rise from 580 to 1043 mmt (Steinfeld
et al., 2006). Meeting this challenge will require global efforts to develop and use
sustainable practices.
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The human population currently consumes about 29 g of animal protein per capita
daily. Affluent societies far exceed this mean, while the poor in many parts of the
world survive on almost no animal protein. Gilland (2006) and Cassman et al. (2003)
projected that to maintain the current level of animal protein of 29 g per capita per
day at the projected population growth rate, cereal production would have to rise
from the current level of 2600 Mt to 3500 Mt by 2050. Gilland (2002, 2006) con-
cluded that a modest improvement in the average diet in less-developed countries is
possible; realization of this goal is a high priority for society.
