Meat production is defined: as the process of raising and harvesting animals for their meat, which plays a significant role in the global economy by providing a source of high-quality protein and contributing to local, national, and international trade.
Main types of animal meat:
- Red Meat – Beef (cattle), Lamb/Mutton (sheep), Goat, Pork (pigs), Venison (deer).
- White Meat – Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Goose, other poultry.
- Processed Meat – Sausages, Ham, Bacon, Salami, and other cured/smoked products.
- Game Meat – Rabbit, Wild boar, Quail, Pheasant, and other wild animals.
- Seafood (sometimes grouped separately) – Fish, Shellfish, Crustaceans.
Pakistan No 3rd country in meat production:
Meat production is also one of the major activities in Europe. The main type of meat produced is pork (48.7%) followed by poultry (23.6%) and bovine (23.3%). Sheep, goat, equine and rabbit meat production covers only a percentage of the total meat production. Meat and meat products present an ideal substrate supporting the growth of several spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. Intrinsic factors of meat such as pH and water activity are not inhibitory to growth of such microorganisms owning to their neutral and high initial values, respectively (Mataragas et al., 2006). Pathogenic non-spore-forming/spore-forming bacteria and viruses constitute a large proportion of all foodborne illness(EFSA, 2007). The presence of these microorganisms in raw pork and poultry is the result of their contamination from the live animal, equipment.
Meat production encompasses the entire process from raising animals on farms to processing and distributing their meat for human consumption, a complex industry involving livestock agriculture, slaughtering, cutting, packaging, and marketing. The process starts with the arrival of livestock at processing plants for quality and health inspections, followed by humane stunning and slaughter, then carcass processing and skilled butchery into various cuts. Finally, the packaged meat is distributed to retailers and restaurants via refrigerated transport.
Meat and Dairy Production
Meat is an important source of nutrition for people around the world. How quickly is demand growing? And what are the implications for animal welfare and the earth’s environment?
Global meat demand is rising steadily, projected to grow about 13% by 2034, with poultry leading the increase. This expansion means billions more animals raised, often in intensive systems with welfare concerns like overcrowding and stress.
Livestock farming contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane from cattle.
It drives deforestation, land and water use, and pollution from feed production and manure.
Balancing nutrition needs with sustainable, welfare-friendly practices is a major global challenge.
Meat production across the world
Global meat production has increased rapidly over the past 50 years – as we see, total production has more than quadrupled since 1961. The chart shows global meat production by region, measured in tonnes.
How fast demand is growing
- Global meat production rose to about 379 million tonnes in 2024.
- Between 2015 and 2021, meat production grew by about 9%, dairy by ~13%.
- Over the next decade (to ~2034), meat production is projected to increase by another ~13%, with much of the growth coming from Asia and Latin America.
- Poultry is the fastest-growing category. Beef and pig meat also grow, but slower or with more variation.
Implications for animal welfare
- More animals raised in intensive systems → greater risk of crowding, disease, stress. Faster expansion often means less oversight.
- As meat demand rises, pressure increases to maximize yield and cut costs, which can compromise welfare standards (e.g. housing conditions, veterinary care, humane slaughter).
- There is growing consumer interest in welfare-friendly products, but those often cost more and are less available in many regions.
Implications for the environment
- Greenhouse gas emissions: Livestock (especially cattle) produce large amounts of methane, plus CO₂ from feed production, transport, land-use change.
- Land use: Animals need land directly (pasture) and indirectly (feed crops). Expansion often means deforestation or conversion of natural ecosystems.
- Water use & pollution: Big demand for feed crops and water for animals; manure runoff causes water pollution, eutrophication, etc.
- Biodiversity loss: Clearing forests, converting habitats, pesticide use for feed crops all reduce species diversity.
- Other effects include increased antibiotic use (resistance), worse air quality, soil degradation.
Summary of meat production:
- Global meat production has grown from about 317 million tonnes in 2016 to roughly 350–360 million tonnes in recent years.
- China is the largest producer, followed by the USA and Brazil.
- Poultry and pork are the fastest-growing meat types worldwide.
- Growth is driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and changing diets, especially in Asia and Latin America.
- Key challenges include greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, deforestation, and animal welfare concerns.
Meat sources
| type | 1999 | 2000 | 2012 | % change 1990–2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle and Buffaloes | 1445 | 1465 | 1684 | 16.5 |
| Pigs | 849 | 856 | 966 | 13.8 |
| Poultry | 11788 | 16077 | 24075 | 104.2 |
| Sheep and Goats | 1795 | 1811 | 2165 | 20.6 |
World beef production:
| Country | million tonnes (2017) | % Of World |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 11.91 | |
| Brazil | 9.55 | |
| China | 6.90 | |
| Argentina | 2.84 | |
| Australia | 2.05 | |
| Mexico | 1.93 | |
| Russia | 1.61 | |
| France | 1.42 | |
| Germany | 1.14 | |
| South Africa | 1.01 | |
| Turkey | 0.99 |
Meat Production:
Meat production refers to the process of raising, slaughtering, and processing animals for human consumption. Globally, production has reached over 350 million tonnes annually, with poultry, pork, and beef being the main contributors. Growth is fueled by rising populations, urbanization, and higher incomes, especially in developing regions.
However, this growth brings challenges:
- Environmental impact – greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water and land use.
- Animal welfare – intensive farming often leads to overcrowding and stress.
- Health & safety – antibiotic resistance, zoonotic disease risks, and nutrition concerns.
FAQs on Meat production:
1. Which country produces the most meat?
China is the largest meat producer, followed by the USA and Brazil.
2. What types of meat are produced most?
Poultry and pork are the fastest-growing, while beef and mutton remain important.
3. How much meat does Pakistan produce?
Pakistan produces around 5–6 million tonnes of meat annually.
4. What are the main challenges in meat production?
Environmental impact, animal welfare concerns, and resource use (land, water, feed).
5. Is global meat demand still increasing?
Yes, demand is rising, especially in Asia and Latin America, driven by population growth and higher incomes.
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