Sustainable cattle production: Feeding the world while minimizing environmental effect
U.S. dairy farmers and cattle ranchers are producing more food with fewer animals than they did a generation ago.
Their dedication to increased efficiency and productivity helps meet growing global demand for beef, milk and cheese while minimizing the effect on our environment.
Consider the numbers:
The U.S. cattle and calf population has gone down from 131.8 million to 93.6 million since 1975, according to figures from U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Yet the amount of beef, milk and cheese produced has gone up.
In just the last 20 years, the number of beef cattle in the United States has decreased 6.6 percent while the total amount of beef produced has increased 1.5 percent.
It’s a similar story with dairy products: The amount of milk produced by each dairy cow in the United States went up 11 percent from 2010 to 2019, the USDA says.
The increased efficiency helps meet demand for beef, milk and cheese that is rising with the global population and increasing standards of living in much of the world.
Having fewer cattle and calves in the U.S. than a generation ago also means a decrease in emissions, particulate matter and solid waste. This reduction contributes positively to reducing the potential factors leading to climate change.
How Boehringer Ingelheim helps
As a leader in the cattle industry, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is proud to help farmers and ranchers feed the world and operate more efficiently and sustainably.
Boehringer Ingelheim provides products that improve animal well-being, such as vaccines and parasite-control products.
Along with other innovations, such as advancements in genetics and nutrition, these products help animals reach their performance potential.
As livestock producers continue to feed the world and protect the environment, Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to standing by their side and continuing to provide quality animal health solutions to create a more efficient and sustainable industry.