Summary
This critical review examines the multifaceted challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainability in meat production systems. The authors argue that conventional intensive approaches have created significant environmental, ethical and welfare problems, and propose that a holistic approach integrating digital technologies (precision livestock farming, remote sensing, artificial intelligence), agroecological and industrial ecology principles, improved animal health and selective breeding, and aligned social and policy dimensions is necessary to address these challenges.
Regional applicability
The review's emphasis on digitisation, precision farming and biosecurity measures aligns with current UK policy directions in agricultural technology and food security. However, the paper's focus on integrating agroecology with intensive systems may require adaptation to UK regulatory contexts and existing farm infrastructure.
Key measures
Greenhouse gas emissions, natural resource depletion, nutrient use efficiency, animal welfare indicators, biosecurity measures, market and policy dimensions of sustainability
Outcomes reported
The review critically examined multiple dimensions affecting meat production efficiency and sustainability, including technological, ecological, animal health and welfare, and socio-economic factors. It synthesised evidence on how digitisation, precision farming, agroecological integration and policy mechanisms can collectively improve sustainability outcomes.
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