Low- and middle-income countries house 76% of the global cattle herd, and by 2050 will be home to 8 billion people. They are the projected epicenter of both increased animal source food demand, and livestock-related emissions. The most promising approach to address this demand while limiting greenhouse gas emissions is to improve the efficiency of livestock production systems in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia through interventions in genetics, feeding and health. Boosting livestock productivity can improve both food security and producer incomes. Alternative proteins may play a limited role in addressing projected demand, but currently most companies are located in high-income countries Moreover, given the multifaceted roles that ruminants play in global agri-food systems, the social, economic and economic trade-offs associated with replacing meat and milk with alternative proteins must be evaluated holistically.

Today we are joined by Alison Van Eenennaam from UC Davis who is leading the
animal Genomics and Biotechnology Program is to provide research and education on the use of animal genomics and biotechnology in livestock production systems.

Alison recently wrote this paper outlining the challenges alternative proteins face in meeting the increased demand across the Global South.

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