Understanding how management decisions impact sustainability in the swine industry

Abstract

By 2050, the global human population is projected to increase to 9.8 billion . This rapid growth is partially due to improvements in the standard of living, which consists of increased life expectancy, safe water, economic growth, and decreased child mortality (Rojas-Downing et al., 2017). To nourish the growing population, global agriculture must increase outputs of crops and livestock. Population growth in lower-income and lower-middleincome countries greatly contribute to the increased demand for dietary protein. Pork products can provide consumers with essential micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and indispensable amino acids (which makes it a high-quality protein) (Rojas-Downing et al., 2017).Additionally, access to livestock products and changes in consumer protein preferences contribute to the growing demand for pork . As a leader in global pork production (USDA ERS, 2022), the United States (U.S.) swine industry is committed to efficient and sustainable practices. Sustainability has numerous definitions, with the United Nations defining sustainability at the Brundtland Commission as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" . Therefore, the U.S. is positioned to be a leader in sustainable pork production while providing the world with a high-quality protein product.