Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Animal agriculture is key to food systems
According to a recently published paper, food products derived from animals offer a wide selection of nutrients that humans need for cell tissue development, function, health and survival.
Animal-source foods can form part of a healthy, sustainable and ethical lifestyle, despite increasing claims to the contrary, says Pablo Gregorini, professor of Livestock Production at Lincoln University in New Zealand.
In his recently published paper titled ‘Animal source foods in healthy, sustainable and ethical diets: An argument against drastic limitation of livestock in the food system’, he argues that animal foods are evolutionarily appropriate and healthy for humans.
The paper also points to evidence that livestock farming is integral to the overall agricultural system, contributing to biodiversity and improved plant food production while creating food security and a path out of poverty for some.
However, many people deem animal-based foods universally unhealthy, unsustainable and unethical, which Gregorini says ignores the complexity of the food system.
The paper states that animal foods “offer a wide spectrum of nutrients that are needed for cell tissue development, function, health and survival”.
According to Gregorini: “Various public health institutions worldwide are now advocating moderate to heavy restriction of red meat, processed meats and saturated fats, but the scientific debate is not settled.”
THE IMPACT OF RED MEAT
High red meat consumption in the West is associated with several forms of chronic disease, but these associations remain weak in other cultures or diets in which red meat is part of a wholesome eating plan, he says.
The paper argues that plant-based diets require careful planning and supplements or adequately fortified foods, which can be difficult for many people to achieve.
“This is particularly true in locations where such foods are inaccessible or unaffordable, or when allergies create other dietary restrictions that exclude plant staples like grains, peas or nuts,” says Gregorini.
Regarding environmental impacts, the paper points out that although some agricultural methods are detrimental to the environment, potentially causing overgrazing, deforestation and water pollution, the damaging effects of food production are not only found in animal agriculture.
“Well-managed livestock farming can contribute to ecosystem management and health while delivering highquality foods by using resources that cannot otherwise be used in food production,” Gregorini says.
High-productivity lands already under crop production also have relatively low levels of biodiversity, according to the paper.
“Properly managed livestock can help maintain greater biodiversity by grazing unploughed, less productive areas while being economically more efficient.”
OTHER BENEFITS
As far as animal welfare is concerned, the paper suggests that livestock farming can be valued as a symbiotic relationship between humans and animals, to the benefit of both.
“In comparison with their counterparts living a much more ferocious life in the wild, livestock animals receive shelter, are better fed during winter, receive veterinary care, and are protected from predators,” adds Gregorini.
The paper suggests that animal agriculture can also play an important role in culture, societal well-being, food security and the provision of livelihoods.
“Arguments for the decimation or even abolishment of livestock and the large-scale rewilding of marginal lands could only find root in a postindustrial Western context,” Gregorini says. “Its proponents neglect all services that livestock provide worldwide and their role in social sustainability.
“When done well and in alignment with local ecosystems and social contexts, animal husbandry should be part of the solution to improve public health and environmental resilience,” he adds. Phone the RPO on 012 349 1102/3, or email rpo@lantic.net.