Evolution of Livestock Production and Quality of Animal Products

The evolution of livestock production is analysed on its historical perspective and forecasted up to year 2020. Livestock production needs at year 2020 and the amount of required animal populations are estimated on the basis of the trend of the period 1971-1999 relative to human population, consumption, and animal efficiency index. At word level, the deficit between production and needs is remarkable (42 million tons of meat, 40 million tons of milk and 5 million tons of eggs). People will eat mainly monogastric meat (about 73% of all meat), the increase in consumption of ruminant meat will be limited. The raise of animal population will be noticeable; an intensification of production will occur affecting quality of animal products and sustainability of production systems. Production policy will be necessary for balancing needs and products. The quality of products is considered, and the tools suitable for getting control over quality and safety of animal products, such as quality assurance programs, are analysed. Relationships between meat and milk characteristics and human health, and possible intervention to adjust meat and milk to a right human diet and consumer requirements, are reviewed.