Circular Systems for Animal Production and Processing

Abstract . As the global population and personal incomes rise across the globe, the demand for high-quality protein and fat-soluble vitamins, such as those found in meat, milk, and eggs, will also increase. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, 19.9 billion kg of poultry, 12.3 billion kg of beef, and 12.5 billion kg of pork were generated in the U.S. in 2019. A wealth of other bio-based products, such as feathers, hides, and related products, were made from animals as well. The OECD estimates that global meat production will expand by nearly 36 million metric tons by 2029, reaching 332 million metric tons, with 80% of this growth attributed to meat consumption in developing regions (fig. 1). In the U.S., per capita consumption of pork and fish has been consistent, but beef consumption has declined and is now surpassed by poultry (fig. 2).