Net protein contribution and enteric methane production of pasture and grain-finished beef cattle supply chains

Net Conversion of Human-Edible Vitamins and Minerals in the U.S. Southern Great Plains Beef Production System

“…In agreement with analysis of Thomas et al [ 28 ] and Broderick [ 25 ], the analysis of the proportion of corn in the corn grain plus distillers’ grains component of the feedlot diet indicated that corn consumption is an important component of the net nutrient contribution of the beef production system to the human diet. With the exception of Zn and Se, there is a proportion of corn that will allow for a positive net nutrient contribution for all nutrients.…”

“…This trend is based on the diet ingredients used in the different sectors of the beef industry where the vast majority of feedstuffs used in the cow-calf phase are non-edible by humans compared with the feedlot phase where approximately 50% of the feedstuffs are edible by humans, primarily corn grain. Grass-finished beef production systems utilize almost exclusively feedstuffs non-edible by humans resulting in net protein contribution 800 times greater (1597 vs. 1.96) than grain-finished production systems [ 28 ]. Additionally, the human-edible protein conversion ratio was 6.1 for Argentina beef production compared with 1.19 for US beef production due to the fact that cattle in Argentina mostly consume pasture and byproducts non-edible by humans [ 25 ].…”

Perspectives on Future Protein Production

“…Livestock has the unique ability to “upcycle” human-inedible or low-value feed into highly nutritious protein, 8 and it has been demonstrated in the developed world that ruminant livestock generates more high-value protein than it consumes, making a positive net contribution to global protein for human nutrition. 9 …”

“…With burgeoning populations demanding high-quality protein, livestock production will continue to increase and protein from livestock will remain an important part of the global food system. Livestock has the unique ability to “upcycle” human-inedible or low-value feed into highly nutritious protein, and it has been demonstrated in the developed world that ruminant livestock generates more high-value protein than it consumes, making a positive net contribution to global protein for human nutrition …”

“…Livestock has the unique ability to "upcycle" human-inedible or low-value feed into highly nutritious protein, 8 and it has been demonstrated in the developed world that ruminant livestock generates more highvalue protein than it consumes, making a positive net contribution to global protein for human nutrition. 9 In a mature industry, such as the livestock industry, the increase in protein will be met through innovations that enhance production efficiency and sustainability of production. The efficiency of livestock production has increased through technological innovations, such as on-animal and on-farm sensors and decision support tools that allow for the optimization of animal requirements and feed base.…”