Global Livestock Distribution and Density

Published on July 23, 2023, by Adam Symington

Introduction

The global livestock industry plays a critical role in feeding the world, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 1.3 billion people. With meat, dairy, and eggs making up nearly 18% of the average diet, understanding the distribution and density of livestock around the world is crucial. Using data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this article explores livestock distribution, focusing on chicken, pig, and cattle densities, as well as regional variations in duck, sheep, and goat farming.

Chicken Livestock Density

• Global Production: In 2021, the world produced over 121 million tonnes of chicken meat and 86 million tonnes of poultry eggs. Chicken is the most widely produced meat globally.
• Distribution Insights:
  • Ubiquity: Chicken farming is widespread, with high densities in nearly all populated regions.
  • Major Producers:
    • United States: Southern states like Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas are significant chicken producers.
    • Brazil and China: Major chicken production extends inland beyond coastal regions.

Pig Livestock Density

• Global Production: China leads as the top producer of pork, reflecting its significant pig livestock concentration.
• Regional Focus:
  • China: Dominates with the largest pig livestock density.
  • United States: Concentrated in the Midwest.
  • Central Europe: Includes Germany and Poland, known for pork consumption.
  • Spain: Notable for its jamón ibérico production.
  • Absence in Islamic Countries: Pig-rearing is notably absent in North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia due to religious restrictions.

Cattle Livestock Density

• Global Production: The world produced 746 million tonnes of raw cattle milk in 2021, with cattle being essential for milk, meat, and leather.
• Distribution Insights:
  • India: Top producer of milk and fourth-largest for cattle meat, with high cattle densities.
  • Brazil: Significant cattle regions, including areas encroaching into the Amazon rainforest.
  • United States: Largest beef producer with a more dispersed cattle population.

Chicken, Pork, and Beef Production by Country

Note: N/A indicates unavailable data.

Mapping Duck, Sheep, and Goat Livestock

• Duck Livestock Density:
  • China: Leads with 78% of global duck meat production.
  • Vietnam and France: Significant producers.
  • Bangladesh: Notable for its growing duck farming industry.
• Sheep Livestock Density:
  • High Density Areas: North and Central Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
• Goat Livestock Density:
  • Concentrations: North India, North China, Mongolia, and many African countries like Nigeria.

The Future of the Global Livestock Industry

• Projected Growth: The UN estimates a 14% increase in global meat consumption by 2030, driven by population growth.
  • Regional Variations: Significant growth in Africa (30%) versus minimal growth in Europe (0.4%).
• Environmental Impact: Emissions from the livestock sector are projected to increase by 5% by 2030.
• Emerging Trends: Growth in plant-based and cultured meat may influence future livestock distribution.

This article is part of Visual Capitalist’s Creator Program, featuring data-driven visuals from leading global creators.

Reference: Mapped: Global Livestock Distribution and Density (visualcapitalist.com)