Shifting composition of global meat production has implications for feed use

Poultry's share of world meat production has steadily increased, while beef's share has declined. The changing composition of global meat production has affected the amount and kind of feed used. Poultry production is the most efficient animal industry at converting grain and protein meal into meat. Pork, however, continues to account for the largest share of world meat production, with China producing half of the world's pork. Industrial hog farming techniques that rely on feed rations with high levels of corn and protein meal are becoming more common. World cattle production has slowly turned toward more intensive feeding systems as well, which use more grain and protein meal. This chart was published June 2011 in the ERS report Why Have Food Commodity Prices Risen Again?, WRS-1103.

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