Final Essay

Introduction -

Animal agriculture is defined as the science of breeding animals, feeding and tending domestic animals for the production of animal products and recreational purposes (McLachlan, 2012). Animal agriculture and farming occurs all around the world and without it the human race would remain without meat. However, alongside the production of animal products come negatives, such as large consumptions of water consumption and deforestation. Each year 287 teralitres are used for animal agricultural feeding, maintenance and crop production, with around 30% of the world’s land area being used for animal agriculture (Shellethics, 2014). All which was once forests. Scientists and sustainability experts spend countless hours and money on

It is estimated that, by switching to a vegetarian diet, global rainwater production will increase by 21% (Aalto University, 2014). The next possible solution, requires growing crops that due to their genetic make-up require less water (Shah, M, 2013). It is obvious that animals need food to survive and growing this food requires significant amounts of water. One solution involves changing the crops grown to feed cattle, to use less water than the original. Water efficient maize is an example of a crop that could be introduced to feed cattle. It is a genetically modified crop grown in parts of Africa requires less water that an average corn crop. However, this is only real basic and the choice of crops grown are also determined on environmental conditions (Shah, M, 2013). Another possible solution is to minimise water consumption by reducing the amount of water runoff and wasted water. Methods can include direct measurement of soil water content to inform on timing and placement, sprinkler or drip irrigation. One possible way to reduce the water used for watering crops grown for animal feed, could be by scheduling irrigation times for when crops need water or irrigating in only areas needed. In addition, water saving elements may be used to keep the soil moister longer, such as mulch and watering at dusk or

However, there are many ways to reduce deforestation other than just slowing the population growth. As a consumer you can provide much help and reduce the severity of deforestation by just making smart food choices that lessen the impact of meat by just choosing pork and chicken over beef (Cleetus. R, 2012). As previously stated that beef production uses 60% of all animal agricultural land. It is clear that minimising beef consumption will have a major impact on reducing deforestation. As a grocery store or wholefood seller, you can purchase meats that are ‘deforestation-free meat’. This means the meat is produced on licenced farms and has no social connection with deforestation. In addition, meat producers can increase the productivity of land already in use through methods such as improving pasture, using rotational grazing and developing silvopastoral systems that combine meat production with tree restoration. However, confined animal feeding is not an acceptable solution to deforestation as it accompanies pollution, animal welfare and other issues. Farmers can also make sure their land is always in use with rotational seasoned farming and growing the certain crops in each season rather than leaving the land free during winter (Shellethics,