Meat in a sustainable food system

Abstract

Meat has been an important component of the human diet for centuries as a rich source of essential nutrients required for development, growth and maintenance. In addition to its nutritional value, meat production and processing provide employment and income generation in both commercial and informal farming sectors. However, in recent times, the sustainability of meat production, as well as the quality and safety of meat products has come under intense scrutiny as a result of the negative implications of livestock farming and meat consumption on the environment and human health, respectively. These concerns have become increasingly important to consumers and significantly influence consumption trends and the viability of the meat industry. Meat quality, safety and nutritional composition are influenced by the wide range of conditions to which meat-producing animals are exposed from 'farm to fork'. Hence, a complete understanding of meat and factors affecting it at every stage of the production chain is beneficial for the control and enhancement of meat quality. Additionally, adopting a systems approach is key to minimizing the negative implications of the meat industry on the environment and health. Current farming conditions are characterized by increasingly variable weather patterns and a diminishing natural resource base. As such, determining environmentally friendly, climate resilient and sustainable production systems is crucial. Pre-to post-slaughter processes tailored to maximize carcass yields, minimize losses and prevent health risks are essential. Furthermore, there is a growing need among consumers for transparency and detailed information on meat production and composition. Research that links the dynamics involved in all stages of meat production is necessary to sustain the positive role of meat in the human diet and to maximize the contribution of meat towards the alleviation of food insecurity, while easing the impact on the environment.

Compliance of Goat Farming under Extensive Grazing with the Organic Standards and Its Contribution to Sustainability in Puebla, Mexico

“…The quality of animal products is closely related to their sustainability and environmental impact, as recognized by many authors [28,126,127]. Grazing goats and sheep results in meat with organoleptic characteristics which are more beneficial to human health than those of animals raised in confinement [125,[128][129][130][131], and it is generally accepted that the diversity of grasses and other plants consumed by grazing animals increases the quality of the meat [124,[132][133][134].…”

The genetics of phenotypic plasticity in livestock in the era of climate change: a review

“…Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse effect that affects depletion of the ozone layer. It can be found in small amounts in the atmosphere and it is the third most abundant GHG after carbon dioxide and methane (Muchenje et al 2018).…”

An outlook on livestock welfare conditions in African communities — A review

“…Developed countries have placed a high sense of concern for farm AW; it has been a rapidly growing area of interest over the years [15,30,4345]. Regardless of some researchbased recommendations that have been developed towards miti gating these concerns, some people generally perceive animal basedfood consumption as an inhumane act [46]. While there are international AW standards in the developed world, lead ing to improved management procedures, there are inherent factors that impede adoption of such in most developing re gions, such as Africa.…”

“…To improve animal produc tivity, efficiency and product quality, protocols followed to ensure and evaluate livestock welfare require investigation and innovation, as well as the development of sustainable technologies to monitor. It is of paramount importance that the whole production chain finds balance between product efficiency and AW for its continued sustainability and accept ability [46]. Furthermore, Masiga and Munyua [55] concluded that there is a need to address AW issues in Africa and the identified tools to achieve this include developing appropriate policies and regulation, as well as educating, sensitizing and encouraging involvement of communities in these issues.…”