Why are cows and pigs the only animals we cultivate on a large scale for consumption?
It's a common misconception that cows and pigs are the only animals widely cultivated for large-scale consumption. However, the reality is far more diverse, as we see examples ranging from chickens and sheep to specialized animals like deer and goats. This article delves into the reasons behind the widespread cultivation of certain farm animals and explores the prevalence of others.
Chickens and their Dominance
According to statistics, there are approximately 33 billion chickens in the world, which is far more than the combined number of cows and pigs. It is also worth noting that sheep and goats, while often forgotten, are also cultivated on a large scale. In fact, in some regions, sheep outnumber the human population. For example, in Wales, there are about 9.8 million sheep for just 3 million people.
Global Trends in Meat Consumption
Over the last few decades, our dietary habits have evolved, leading to changes in meat consumption patterns. Many travelers on Viet Nam Airlines report that chickens and fish are the primary choices for their meals, with beef and pork being the more desirable options. This highlights the cultural preferences towards certain meat types.
Despite the apparent cultural bias against beef and pork in some regions, chickens reign supreme globally. This is primarily due to the higher yield of meat obtained per animal, as compared to other livestock. A pig yields more meat than a chicken, and a cow even more than that. However, the higher consumption of chicken on a global scale explains why its numbers stand out.
The Global Landscape of Farm Animals
When discussing farm animals, it's essential to include species like sheep, goats, and deer. In fact, sheep are the most widely consumed animal meat in the world. This suggests that the choice between cows and pigs is not influenced solely by their availability but also by cultural and economic factors.
The cultural significance of sheep in Wales is particularly noteworthy. With a ratio of three sheep to one person, the country's farming practices clearly reflect a long-standing tradition of sheep rearing. This underscores the deep-rooted cultural and economic importance of certain livestock over others.
The Myths and Realities of Large-Scale Cultivation
Many questions about farm animals are often based on outdated or incomplete information. For instance, one might wonder why cows and pigs didn't make it to the top when it comes to slaughter rates. When considering the number of animals slaughtered annually by category, pigs rank third, and cows rank eighth. Clearly, chickens lead the pack, with over 1.5 billion slaughtered per year, in stark contrast to the 500 million pigs and 30 million cows slaughtered globally.
However, the position of cows and pigs in meat production can be attributed to multiple factors, including meat yield, cultural preferences, and economic viability.
Comparison and Cultural Preferences
It's important to mention that the cultivation of certain animals goes beyond just cows and pigs. Species like deer, goats, sheep, water buffaloes, kangaroos, and rabbits are all widely cultivated, and their importance varies across different regions. For instance, in some countries, certain types of deer are highly valued for their meat, whereas elsewhere, rabbits might hold a similar cultural significance.
These cultural and economic factors play a significant role in determining which animals are cultivated on a large scale. While cultural biases can sometimes influence perceptions, the reality of meat production is often a blend of tradition, economic benefits, and availability.