Animal Contributions to Human Health and Well-being

Livestock continue to make a huge and diverse contribution to human health and well-being. About one quarter of the dietary energy and one half of the dietary protein of people in developed countries comes from animal and fish products. Contrary to all the predictions of thirty years ago, animal products are making a larger contribution to feeding people in developing countries than previously. For billions of people, the regular consumption of a range of animal products provides almost complete protection against a variety of nutritional disorders. The three major human nutrition problems that the world still faces are iron deficiency, Vitamin A deficiency and protein-energy malnutrition. An increased consumption of a relatively small amount of animal product in populations at risk would substantially and efficiently ameliorate all three diseases. Animals provide the draught power for about 28% of the world’s arable land, and will be the most economically realistic and socially appropriate technology for many regions of the world into the foreseeable future. Estimates suggest that about 22% of total nitrogen fertilisation and 38% of total phosphate is of animal origin. There is a wide range of other important products from animals; all are now part of highly competitive markets. Quality of the product, from the consumer’s perspective, is a fundamental issue requiring close attention. Animal production systems have contributed significantly to our environments. Properly managed grazing systems are almost certainly our best method to preserve the massive arid and semi-arid eco-systems of the world, whilst utilising their resources for humans. The animals in mixed farming systems contribute to crop production as well as having potentially beneficial environmental effects. Intensive production systems have lowered the real cost of food products and have provided security of food to urban dwellers in developing countries, but have significant environmental and animal welfare problems.