Weighing Sustainable Livestock: Emissions, Efficiency, and Local Food

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A recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that 34% of the world’s protein intake comes from livestock such as cows, chickens, and pigs. The projection suggests this share will rise as economies improve, with an average person expected to consume about 38 kilograms of meat per year by 2027.

This trajectory is not sustainable for the environment. It results from producing large quantities as quickly and cheaply as possible. If every livestock operation adopted sustainability criteria, meat could become less of a burden and more aligned with ecological goals. That is the opposite of the approach seen in large macro farms.

Numerous studies indicate that traditional farming methods can support climate action. Experts note that if a production system, region, and climate adopted the technologies and practices currently used by the 10 percent of producers with the lowest emissions intensity, greenhouse gas emissions could fall by about 30 percent.

The way livestock is raised plays a fundamental role in climate impact and consumption patterns, according to the FAO report. The document highlights techniques to boost efficiency, improve feed quality, manage manure to recycle nutrients, and raise overall energy efficiency across the supply chain. Transportation also ranks among the top contributors to pollution within the sector.

Improved practices bring benefits beyond the environment. From a business standpoint, resource-efficient farming tends to boost profitability, while reducing inputs enhances competitiveness. In line with the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement targets, governments may offer subsidies that reward environmental performance and certification.

Shifts in consumer demand are also underway. People increasingly prefer meat that is locally produced and of high quality. Animal welfare standards on conventional farms are a frequent concern, with many observers noting room for improvement. All signs point to advantages in this direction.

However, earning a sustainable label is challenging. It requires avoiding waste, sourcing inputs locally, and using energy efficiently. Farm size should match environmental conditions, ensuring production serves local markets. Preference should be given to local breeds and rational pasture management.

Macrofarms: room for improvement

Images of poultry or pigs housed in large facilities with reported welfare shortcomings have damaged the industry’s reputation. Yet macro farms also hold potential for improvements that can reduce emissions and energy use—acting as a catalyst for meaningful change rather than a dead end.

Historically, animal husbandry depended on grazing, but the middle of the last century saw a shift toward intensive, industrial production based on stable housing and feed produced through expanded international trade. This shift has been linked to higher carbon emissions and less resilience in some regions.

Experts note that intensive practices, often described as modern efficiency, can still vary greatly in environmental impact. In Spain, for example, livestock systems are diverse and depend on regional conditions, with efforts to align production with welfare and emissions goals while maintaining high quality.

Intensive farming remains strongly associated with energy use and emissions, including methane from ruminant animals. Methane contributes to warming, and the sector also drives land-use change, with substantial forest loss in some regions to clear land for pasture and feed crops.

Improve grazing

Grazing is an ancient practice tied to roaming animals and shared use of lands. It supports biodiversity and soil health, and can reduce fire risk by managing combustible vegetation. Its value today lies not only in output but in ecosystem services that complement food production.

Extensive grazing systems are often praised for the environmental and socio-economic benefits they provide, including recognized quality schemes that protect origin and farming practices. The emphasis is on delivering high-value products with a smaller environmental footprint.

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REPORT. David Yáñez, CSIC scientist.

“We are looking for ways to reduce livestock emissions”

Although conventional grazing differs from macro farms, the sector still has ample room for improvement. David Yáñez-Ruiz of CSIC’s Zaidín Experimental Station leads a project that uses European funding to reduce greenhouse gases across livestock systems.

-Has traditional animal husbandry been demonized due to intensive industry?

Some argue the opposite: intensive production is sometimes blamed without fully considering resource optimization, and several species show varying environmental outcomes. Spanish livestock systems today aim to balance regional conditions, population needs, animal welfare, and lower emissions.

-Many reports claim that sustainable livestock farming could help stop the climate crisis.

Overall, livestock farming, including feed production, accounts for a major share of global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, measures to cut emissions will meaningfully reduce warming, though broad implementation remains essential.

-Can productivity be increased and emissions reduced?

Yes. Improving feed quality, introducing additives that cut methane, and selecting animals for longer productive lifespans can all contribute to lower emissions per unit of output.

-What does the Re-Livestock project include?

The initiative aims to promote livestock practices that lower greenhouse gas emissions while helping animals adapt to heat waves. It covers beef, pork, and dairy production.

– Have results been achieved?

With current technology and knowledge, emissions can be reduced by 10% to 30%. The big hurdle is scaling up. Heat waves will impact production, necessitating facility adjustments or diet changes. Digital tools that detect stress signals could prove highly effective.

-Where is the greatest potential for progress?

Developing additives to curb methane, reusing industry by-products to promote circularity, and selecting more productive animals stand out as key areas for advancement.

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