Cattle biotechnologies reduce environmental impact and help feed a growing planet

Abstract

• The human demand for animal protein will double by the year 2050. Food must be produced efficiently considering limited water and arable land. • Livestock production emits carbonaceous and nitrogenous compounds that contribute to air and water pollution as well as climate change. • Animal biotechnologies, including recombinant bovine somatotropin, ionophores, hormone implants, and β-adrenergic agonists, improve production and reduce environmental impact. Livestock waste treatment technologies such as anaerobic methane digestion reduce emissions and produce power and fuel. • Consumer education on the holistic aspects of livestock technologies is essential to allow a more balanced view of innovations that advance livestock production.