SUSTAINABILITY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2024 83 people consuming higher quantities of meat, especially in developing countries. Technological Advancements: Improvements in animal breeding, feed efficiency, and production systems have increased the efficiency and output of meat production. Intensification of Livestock Production: The shift from extensive to intensive livestock production systems has allowed for higher meat yields per animal. Global Trade: Expansion of global trade in meat and meat products has facilitated the growth of production in countries with comparative advantages in livestock farming. LIVESTOCK YIELD INCREASE, 1950 TO THE PRESENT The increase in livestock yield for cattle, pigs, and chickens between 1950 and the present has been significant due to advances in breeding, nutrition, management practices, and technology. BEEF 1950s • Average Carcass Weight: In the 1950s, the average carcass weight of beef cattle was about 200 to 250 kilograms (440 to 550 pounds). • Dressing Percentage: The dressing percentage (the proportion of live weight that becomes carcass) was typically around 50-55%. Present Day • Average Carcass Weight: Today, the average carcass weight of beef cattle is approximately 300 to 400 kilograms (660 to 880 pounds). • Dressing Percentage: The dressing percentage has improved to about 60-65%. Increase in Beef Cattle Yield • Increase in Carcass Weight: The average carcass weight has increased by about 100 to 150 kilograms (220 to 330 pounds) per animal. • Improved Dressing Percentage: The dressing percentage has increased by about 5-10 percentage points, meaning a greater proportion of the live weight is converted into meat. DAIRY 1950s • Average Milk Yield per Cow: Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 liters per year, depending on the region. Present Day • Average Milk Yield per Cow: Approximately 8,000 to 10,000 liters per year globally, with some countries like the United States achieving even higher averages of 10,000 to 12,000 liters per year. Increase in Milk Yield: Milk yield per cow has increased about 4-5 times due to genetic selection, improved nutrition, technological advancements, and better herd management. CHICKENS (LAYERS) 1950s • Average Egg Production per Hen: In the 1950s, a typical laying hen produced about 150 to 200 eggs per year. Present Day • Average Egg Production per Hen: Today, a typical laying hen produces approximately 280 to 320 eggs per year, with some high-performing breeds producing even more. Increase in Egg Yield: The average egg production per hen has increased by approximately 130 to 170 eggs per year.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==