Animal Agriculture Is Key to Food Systems

According to a recently published paper, food products derived from animals offer a wide selection of nutrients that humans need for cell tissue development, function, health and survival.

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Animal-source foods can form part of a healthy, sustainable and ethical lifestyle, despite increasing claims to the contrary, says Pablo Gregorini, professor of Livestock Production at Lincoln University in New Zealand.

In his recently published paper titled ‘Animal source foods in healthy, sustainable and ethical diets: An argument against drastic limitation of livestock in the food system’, he argues that animal foods are evolutionarily appropriate and healthy for humans.

The paper also points to evidence that livestock farming is integral to the overall agricultural system, contributing to biodiversity and improved plant food production while creating food security and a path out of poverty for some.

However, many people deem animal-based foods universally unhealthy, unsustainable and unethical, which Gregorini says ignores the complexity of the food system.