The article re-examines the role of livestock in the global food system, challenging common perceptions regarding resource competition between livestock and humans. Based on FAO research, it highlights that 86% of livestock feed consists of materials not suitable for human consumption, such as grasses, crop residues, and by-products. The study finds that livestock convert otherwise wasted biomass into high-quality nutrients essential for human diets. It discusses feed conversion ratios (FCRs), sustainable use of pasturelands, and the importance of modest improvements in livestock feeding efficiency to prevent further agricultural land expansion. The report calls for a more balanced and evidence-based dialogue around livestock’s contribution to food security and sustainability.
Resource type:
Peer review