Summary
This paper presents a biophysical framework for analysing sustainable beef production systems, examining global production trends from 1961 to 2021. The authors demonstrate that post-2011 beef production growth has been driven predominantly by herd expansion (0.67% year−1) rather than productivity improvements (0.46% year−1), contributing to declining per capita production. The analysis identifies reallocation of resources from herd expansion toward improving productivity of the over 900 million animals currently operating below the global productivity average as a key pathway to reconcile rising demand with sustainability objectives.
Regional applicability
The framework and findings have global relevance, with specific analysis of trajectories across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and northern South America. The productivity-focused strategy proposed may be particularly applicable to UK beef systems insofar as they can benchmark against global averages and assess efficiency opportunities, though implementation will depend on regional production systems, market structures, and policy contexts.
Key measures
Annual percentage change in herd size and productivity (kg carcass equivalent per animal per year); per capita beef production trends; regional productivity benchmarks against global average of 48 kg carcass eq. animal−1 year−1
Outcomes reported
The study analysed global and national beef production trends (1961–2021) using a biophysical framework to assess how herd expansion versus productivity gains drive production, and identified opportunities to improve productivity of underperforming animals across key regions.
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