Researchers from Leiden University in the Netherlands conducted a study that looked at the supply and demand for animal meat. The researchers wanted to answer the question of how many farm animals lose their lives pointlessly every year. The collected data is disheartening.

Scientists Juliane Klaura, Laura Scherer and Gerard Breeman found that 18 billion farm animals are killed yearly, but their meat is not eaten. These figures pertain to chickens, turkeys, sheep, pigs, cows, and goats. The estimated 18 billion animals equate to over 52 million tonnes of wasted, bone-free, edible meat.

According to the data collected, the largest percentage of meat wastage in developing countries occurs at the production stage. Many animals die during transportation or breeding. This is due to the inhumane conditions in which animals are transported and stored in overcrowded farms that prioritise quantity over individual welfare.

In industrialised countries, most waste happens due to supermarkets overstocking, restaurants serving oversized portions and people throwing out leftovers, claim the researchers.

According to a report by researchers from Leiden University, Brazil, the United States, and South Africa are the top three countries that waste meat.

Source: ScienceDirect