Capita Meat Consumption Research Articles

Single-nucleus RNA sequencing and lipidomics reveal characteristics of transcriptional and lipid composition in porcine longissimus dorsi muscle

BackgroundGlobal per capita meat consumption continues to rise, especially pork. Meat quality is influenced by the content of intramuscular fat (IMF) as a key factor. The longissimus dorsi muscle of Dahe pigs (DHM, IMF: 7.98% ± 1.96%) and Dahe black pigs (DHBM, IMF: 3.30% ± 0.64%) was studied to explore cellular heterogeneity and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with IMF deposition using single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq). The lipid composition was then analyzed using non-targeted lipidomics.ResultsA total of seven cell subpopulations were identified, including myocytes, fibroblast/fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), satellite cells, endothelial cells, macrophages, pericytes, and adipocytes. Among them, FAPs and adipocytes were more focused because they could be associated with lipid deposition. 1623 DEGs in the FAPs subpopulation of DHBM were up-regulated compared with DHM, while 1535 were down-regulated. These DEGs enriched in the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway. 109 DEGs were up-regulated and 806 were down-regulated in the adipocyte subpopulation of DHBM compared with DHM, which were mainly enriched in the PPAR signaling pathway and fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis. The expression level of PPARG, ABP4, LEP, and ACSL1 genes in DHM was higher than that in DHBM. Lipidomics reveals porcine lipid composition characteristics of muscle tissue. A total of 41 lipid classes and 2699 lipid species were identified in DHM and DHBM groups. The top ten relative peak areas of lipid classes in DHM and DHBM were triglyceride (TG), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), diglyceride (DG), cardiolipin (CL), ceramides (Cer), Simple Glc series (Hex1Cer), sphingomyelin (phSM), and phosphatidylinositol (PI). The relative peak areas of 35 lipid species in DHM were lower than DHBM, and 28 lipid species that were higher. There was a significant increase in the TG fatty acyl chains C6:0, C17:0, and C11:4, and a significant decrease in C16:0, C18:1, C18:2, and C22:4 in DHBM (p < 0.05).ConclusionsC16:0 FA may downregulate the expression level of PPARG gene, which leads to the downregulation of fat metabolism-related genes such as ACSL, PLIN2, and FABP4 in DHBM compared with DHM. This may be the reason that the lipid deposition ability of Dahe pigs is stronger than that of Dahe black pigs, which need further investigation.

The Per Capita Meat Consumption: the Trend and Macroeconomic Determinants in Nigeria

This study examined trends in per capita consumption of game meat, mutton, pork and total meat and provided evidence of their correlation with key macroeconomic factors in Nigeria. Data from FAOSTAT, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the World Bank (WB) covering the period 1981 to 2021 were analyzed. The results showed that game meat, mutton, pork and total meat consumption per capita recorded compound annual exponential growth rates of -0.87%, 2.05%, 2.08% and -0.54%, respectively. The empirical results showed that the rate of inflation, the nominal exchange rate, GDP per capita, credit to the agricultural sector, and capacity utilization in the meat industry all had varying degrees of impact on per capita meat consumption (including game meat, mutton, pork and total meat) in both the short and long runs. In order to increase per capita meat consumption in the country, it is strongly recommended to effectively manage the identified macroeconomic variables and implement appropriate measures to stabilize inflation and the nominal exchange rate. At the same time, concerted efforts should be made to increase GDP per capita.

디지털 전환 시대의 스마트 양식장 입지 타당성 평가방안 연구

The seriousness of the domestic fisheries industry has fundamental problems, starting mainly due to the depletion of fishery resources, the aging of fishing workers, and the aging of fishing boats and equipment, and the production of coastal fishing (capturing and fishing methods) continues to decline every year due to problems such as illegal overfishing, global warming, and environmental pollution. Despite this situation, global seafood consumption is increasing and the per capita meat consumption is approaching. To this end, a continuous and stable supply system can be established only by further expanding the smart management system that further develops the existing aquaculture industry (farm culture) beyond the traditional fishing method and innovatively improves the inland aquaculture on land. As a result, smart farming will be able to quickly recognize changes in aquaculture conditions, water temperature, and water quality by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), big data technology, information and communication technology (ICT), and the Internet of Things (IoT), respond to the situation, and engage in stable aquaculture.

Impact of the change in household dietary patterns on CO2 emissions in Japan

Japan is a country committed to complying with the international agreement on mitigating greenhouse gases (GHGs) causing climate change. However, the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami in March 2011 led the country had to modify the energy and environmental policy to global warming. The 15 m of tsunami occurred from an underwater earthquake hit the east coast where the nuclear reactors were located. The coolant system failed and the radioactive materials were spread out into the atmosphere, ocean, and soil. The Japanese government investigated the level of contaminated materials (iodine, cesium, etc.) and reassessed the food safety regulations. Simultaneously, consumers' anxiety about the food system was increasing and their preferences for food consumption were affected by the food safety phenomenon that arose in connection with the nuclear accident after the natural disaster. Japanese consumers avoided agricultural and fish products originating from the land and sea, so the consumption per capita of fish decreased by 11.3% while the beef consumption increased by 13.7% between 2011 and 2020. As reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), meat and dairy products are accounted for around 16.5% of global GHGs emissions per year, and there are differences in the emission factors between beef (40.5 kgCO2e/kg) and fish (7.7 kgCO2e/kg). Per capita meat and fish consumption in Japan affected the GHGs emissions and the study employs the Synthetic Control Method (SCM) to estimate the impact of a change in dietary patterns on CO2 emissions from household food consumption. The outcome variable is CO2 emissions from household food consumption and the intervention period is between 1995 and 2019 (pre-intervention: 1995–2010; post-intervention: 2011–2019). Analyzing 32 countries, placebo studies, leave-one-out, and post-/pre-MSPE ratio are performed to make the statistical inferences. The results present that there is a meaningful relationship between the dietary patterns and the increase in CO2 emissions. Unlike the countries in the control group, Japan shows a significant increase in CO2 emissions from household food consumption after the natural disaster. However, the westernization of the diet can be another long-term factor affecting climate change. Therefore, future research can involve analyzing the impact of CO2 emissions from household food consumption in multiple treated countries with multiple interventions.

The perspective of meat and meat-alternative consumption in China

This study provides an overview of Chinese meat consumption based on literature review. China, having the largest mid-income population, has become the world's largest meat consumer. Its per capita meat consumption has been growing fast over the past decades to 49 kg, half of that of the US. Chinese consumers are aware of the environmental, health and animal welfare concerns, and can accept plant-based and lab cultured meats. Their adoption rate of these meat alternatives is low and their willingness-to-pay for them is also low from 5% below to 5% above conventional meat, compatible to the level in the US and EU countries. China, as an emerging economy, takes it as a serious challenge for food and nutrition security, where meat plays an indispensable role. Malnutrition still exists among children and the low-income population due to low meat intake. Government is playing an active role in boosting its domestic meat production to meet its market demand for more meat.

How much Meat do we eat? Estimating per Capita Meat Consumption in Germany based on a Market Balance Approach

Meat consumption has become increasingly relevant within the greater scientific, political, and public debate due to the variety of negative effects that it has on the environment, human health, and animal welfare. In Germany, the statistical basis for “direct consumption” entails uncertainties and is based on parameters dating back to 1987. The following study deals with an updated and revised estimate of the per capita consumption of pork, beef, and poultry in Germany, focusing on the supply-side. Unlike the original approach, the estimate is based on a mass flow analysis. It includes a survey at the slaughterhouse level, adjustments to external trade statistics, and assumptions on loss and waste at five different value chain stages. An average total per capita meat consumption of 65 kg is calculated for the year 2018. Thus, meat consumption has been underestimated by 4 kg per capita based on official statistics by overestimating waste, losses, and non-food uses. Our results provide information regarding per capita and total meat consumption, enable future projections, and give an overview of the use of meat outside the food chain. The approach used is discussed against the background of international comparability and applicability. In this way the study provides important indications for political decision-makers and contributes to more objectivity in the public debate on meat consumption.

Review on Ethiopia’s Global Position in Meat Production and Export: Analysis of Sectoral Opportunities and Challenges

Meat and other slaughter by-products being exportable food items have been contributing to the foreign export earnings and GDP growth of Ethiopia since the beginning of meat processing. Even though the country is blessed with huge livestock resources, the share of meat and other slaughter by-products exported from the overall export commodities is not more than 2% and the per capita meat consumption is below the average of Sub-Sahara African countries. This study was therefore, implemented to review the potentials and tradeoffs of meat production, processing and marketing in Ethiopia and seeking strategic intervention options to unleash the potentials after reviewing the available national and international resource materials. The study therefore indicated that, as opposed to Ethiopia’s strategic location to market and sound climatic condition, the country is not benefiting from the huge livestock resources due to knowledge gap; limited compliance to meet the international requirements including food safety standards like ISO, GMP and HACCP; limited promotion done in marketing; limited intra-Africa trade integration; poor linkage among stakeholders; few market outlets and other interlinked problems. On top of these meat consumption trends is almost stagnant and the calorie intake per capita from meat is in a declining state. Therefore, policy support in terms of diverse incentive mechanisms; encouraging more research and development work so as to benefit smallholder farmers, pastoralists and processors and the need for traceability and residue monitoring, market promotion and conducting benchmarking and twinning programs are some of the measures to be taken in order to be competitive in the global market. Better business communication with potential buyers and back and forth linkage with stakeholders along the value chain is also very important for the transformation of the sector from the current staggering stage to globally competitive agribusiness. Key w ords: Meat, Export, Production, opportunity, Challenge DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/114-03 Publication date: April 30 th 2022

Opportunities and Challenges for Pastoral Beef Cattle Production in Ethiopia

The beef cattle production sector plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of pastoral farmers in Ethiopia, and it is the main source of beef animals for domestic and foreign markets. As compared to other African countries, Ethiopia has a huge beef cattle population (65.35 million heads). However, the quality and quantity of beef, as well as per capita meat consumption of Ethiopians, are very low (8.4 kg/individual/year). In this sense, the goal of this review was to provide and synthesize the most validated scientific information on the opportunities and challenges for pastoral beef cattle production in Ethiopia. The potential for pastoral beef cattle producers in Ethiopia included population growth, urbanization, literacy, and family income, as well as high demand for beef animals in domestic and foreign markets. In contrast, problems with beef cattle production systems, diseases, shortages of feed and water, lack of veterinary services, droughts, lack of market access and infrastructure, illegal animal trades, and poor genetic potential of indigenous cattle are among the limiting factors that hamper efficient beef production in the country. In Ethiopia, the yield and compositional quality of beef are very low compared to other African countries and the global market in general. Therefore, empowering pastoral beef cattle producers will help us to supply high quality and quantity of beef and will ensure sustainable beef cattle production with an identified market destination and access.

Changing Food Consumption and Nutrition Intake in Kazakhstan.

Food resource is an important bond that connects human beings and nature. In this study, we investigated the changes in food consumption and nutrition intake in Kazakhstan from a spatial and temporal perspective, from 2001 to 2018. The data were obtained from the Bureau of Statistics, international organizations and our social interview work. After the start of the 21st century, it was found that per capita food consumption significantly increased; however, the consumption of crop, vegetables and milk decreased. Per capita meat consumption was similar in both urban and rural areas. However, some food consumption showed differences between urban and rural areas. Changes of food consumption quantity and structure also had some effects on nutrient intake and the proportion of nutrients. Per capita energy intake in the national, urban and rural areas all increased remarkably. The energy intake changes in eastern states increased much more than that in western states. Protein intake in rural and urban areas was similar; however, the gap between carbohydrates and fat intake in urban and rural areas increased. The intake of protein, carbohydrates and fat in different states showed the same trend. Food consumption and nutrition intake are affected by economic, social and ecological factors.

Is it the cow that sells the steak, or the sizzle? Using animal images to sell meat in mid-nineteenth-century Belgium

ABSTRACT Per capita meat consumption in post-industrial countries is higher today than it has been ever since the transition of hunter-gathering to agriculture, while attitudes toward meat production and animal killing have become increasingly characterized by moral ambiguity and disgust. To contribute to our understanding of the genesis of this meat paradox, this study analyses how mid-nineteenth-century Belgian meat retailers constructed the image of their product. Analyzing 54 porcelain cards, uniquely early pictorial business cards used to advertise, shows how they constructed a very specific image of meat and its production process, an image in which meat itself was almost wholly absent. As shifts in the production process removed the animals behind the urban meat supply further and further from urbanites’ sight, meat retailers deliberately called upon images of idealized healthy living animals in profoundly natural settings. Reminders of the brutal production process were avoided at all costs. Rather, meat retailers sold the idea of meat consumption as intricately linked to a romanticized pastoral life, where animals lived free from human constraints or instrumentalization. This highly paradoxical “naturalisation” process, cutting out all human intervention in the production of meat, still serves to underpin important cultural aspects of the meat paradox today.

Balance sheet of pork production and consumption in Nagaland: Implications for strengthening of pork value chain

Per capita meat and pork consumption is highest in Nagaland, India. The present study analysed pork production and its consumption in Nagaland, North East India vis-à -vis the pork value chain. In Nagaland, two processes are simultaneously present: a high demand of pork and a continous decline in the pig population. The pig population in Nagaland has decreased by almost 42% since 2007 and almost 20% since 2012. Highest pork production in Nagaland was recorded in 2014–2015 with 60.45 thousand metric tonnes and then it declined to 15.77 thousand metric tonnes in 2018–2019. Compounded annual growth rate in pig population and pork production saw negative growth rate during last two decades. In consumption basket, pork constitutes almost 50% of total meat consumed. The state is deficit by 51.34% in meat production in 2017-18. The structure of pig value chain is dominated by small holder farms, traditional out dated technology, unorganized input services, lack of infrastructure, and absence of marketing channels. To make the pig value chain competitive, there is urgent need to revamp the pig production technology, strengthen the marketing infrastructure including slaughter houses, and increase in credit flow in the pig sector.

General Status and Growth Potential of Fisheries Sector in Northern Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is a growing region in terms of the aquaculture sector. Northern Cyprus, in particular, is very weak for the aquaculture, although its environmental conditions are very favorable for aquaculture. While the number of fishers in Northern Cyprus was around 30-40 before 1974, the number of registered fishers has reached 1167 today. There are two existing cage facilities in the region, and there are no juvenile production facilities and feed mills. The amount of fish obtained from the natural stock with the fisheries activities are also limited. However, the amount of fish produced by aquaculture has been increasing since 2015 and today exceeds the amount of fish obtained from natural stock. The effect of the tourism sector on the increase in aquaculture and fish production is remarkable. In the country, for per capita meat consumption, fish product consumption ranks fourth. To increase the amount of fish consumed, a couple of suggestions made. This review has the most up to date data about fisheries and aquaculture sector for North Cyprus.

Meat, fruit, and vegetable consumption in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis.

The dietary choices people make affect personal health and have consequences for the environment, both of which have serious implications for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. In global reviews, the literature on meat, fruit, and vegetable consumption in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is limited. This systematic review set out to quantify meat, fruit, and vegetable consumption in SSA populations and to answer the following question: How much meat, fruit, and/or vegetables are being consumed daily by which individuals in SSA over the years? Following the PRISMA guidelines, the authors systematically searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, ASSIA CINAHL, Web of Science, POPLINE, and Google Scholar databases to identify 47 (out of 5922 search results) studies reporting meat, fruit, and/or vegetable consumption in SSA populations. Three independent investigators extracted data on year of data collection, study country, study population and geographical context, and population intake of meat, fruit, and/or vegetables. Using STATA SE version 15 software, random-effects meta-regression analyses were used to test the effect of year of data collection and method of data collection on population meat, fruit, and vegetable consumption. The analyses also tested any association between age, sex, rural/urban residence, or a country's economic development and population intake of meat, fruits, and/or vegetables. The review was started in 2017 and completed in 2019. Richer SSA countries were likely to consume more meat (ß = 36.76, P = 0.04) and vegetables (ß =43.49, P = 0.00) than poorer countries. Vegetable intake has increased dramatically over the last 3 decades from ≈10 g to ≈110 g (ß = 4.43, P = 0.00). Vegetable (ß= -25.48, P = 0.00) consumption was higher in rural than in urban residents. Although the trend of meat consumption has risen (≈25 g to ≈75 g), the trend is nonsignificant (ß = 0.63, N.S.). Daily average per capita meat consumption was 98 g - above the 70 g recommendation - while fruit and vegetable intake (268 g) remain below the World Health Organization's recommendation (400 g). Given the low intake of plant-based foods, it is likely that SSA populations may be deficient in high-quality protein and micronutrients as suggested by the EAT-Lancet Commission. There is a need to promote both an adequate supply and demand of plant-based protein and micronutrients, including fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes, in SSA countries. While dietary changes in SSA may offer large absolute benefits, consideration of the magnitude of dietary change, particularly increasing or reducing meat consumption, will need to occur in a way that ensures that policy and interventions support the reduction of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies without worsening the prevalence and environmental impacts of noncommunicable diseases. There is also the need for preventive action that ensures that SSA populations do not increase their meat consumption as disposable incomes increase and countries' economic development rises, as is seen in most countries undergoing economic transformation. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42018090497.

Zinc Oxide Sensing Devices for Meat Spoilage Detection

Introduction In North America, over 20% of the initial production of meat is lost due to waste. Losses and waste in industrialized regions are highest at the end of the food supply chain due to high per capita meat consumption and large amounts of waste generated by retailers and consumers [1]. Smart materials and devices can reduce this waste by detecting meat spoilage in the early stages. When meat proteins begin to degrade, they release biogenic amines (e.g. putrescine, NH2(CH2)4NH2). Detection of these amines can lead to an early indication of meat spoilage [2-4]. Gas sensing semiconductors such as ZnO can be used for this detection by measuring a change in electrical resistance due to charge transfer caused by the amine molecule on the surface. In this work, a chemiresistive response to amines is tested for by utilizing model test gases, including methylamine (NH2CH3) and dimethylamine (NH(CH3)2), with novel, synthesized ZnO nanomaterials optimized for this application. Sensor Fabrication and Testing ZnO nanostructures are synthesized directly onto interdigitated electrode substrates via a two-step hydrothermal process. ZnO nanomaterial deposition on the substrate surface is first seeded from solution, followed by nanostructure growth from a second solution at elevated temperatures. The morphology of the ZnO nanostructure deposits is controlled by adjusting the pH of the growth solution and by adjusting the point at which the seeded substrates are immersed into the growth solution. Different metal catalyst nanoparticles are deposited onto the ZnO via a wet chemical method to optimize the device response to amines and lower the operating temperature [5]. The ZnO nanostructures are characterized by SEM, TEM, and XPS (Figure 1).The sensor response to amines is tested using a home built apparatus. The amine test gas is diluted in air through mass flow controllers and then flowed over the device under test while the device resistance is monitored. The device temperature is set by a resistive heater and thermocouple located near the device and a closed loop controller. The entire apparatus is controlled by a central computer through a LabView script. Interference from moisture is tested for by flowing water saturated air over the device under test and monitoring for changes in resistance. Results and Conclusions A strong chemiresistive response to methylamine is found using the ZnO nanostructures, with a large increase in sensitivity occurring after decorating the nanostructures with Pd catalyst particles (Figure 1) [6]. The morphology of the ZnO nanostructure is optimized during synthesis as described above and is found to have a strong impact on the sensor response. The optimal response is found from a flower-like nanostructure morphology with a high surface area, large aspect ratios, and a percolated electrical network connectivity, as shown in Figure 1. Optimization of the morphology and the catalyst loading leads to a decrease in the operating temperature of the device and the observance of room temperature sensing. Experiments are underway to further characterize these responses and optimize the devices for high sensitivity, room temperature (or low temperature) operation. Interferences from moisture in the air would lead to issues with adoption of the technology and therefore tests are underway to check for such interferences. The ZnO materials have been successfully doped with Ga and Al, and experiments are planned to optimize the device response via this doping, as well as by UV exposure of the ZnO.

Are vegetarianism and veganism just half the story? Empirical insights from Switzerland

PurposePer capita meat consumption in Switzerland has been rather consistent for decades, although the percentage of vegetarians has risen to 14 per cent according to a recent survey. This study tries to resolve this apparent contradictionDesign/methodology/approachThe study is based on household consumption data from Switzerland and focuses on the distribution of consumption rather than on average amounts, using descriptive statistics and a mixed-effects model which explains the coefficient of variation between single consumer consumption amounts.FindingsVegetarianism and veganism are not only overestimated through surveys but also associated with a segment of the population that is consuming increasing amounts of meat. This dual development leads to a stable per capita meat consumption.Originality/valueOur results indicate that greater scientific attention should be paid to this segment of heavy meat eaters.

Forecasting Turkey's cattle and sheep manure based biomethane potentials till 2026

In this study, Turkey's cattle and sheep manure based biomethane potentials are forecasted till 2026. Novel to this study, semi-empirical models based on per capita meat consumption and milk production are used to forecast Turkey's cattle and sheep population. It is estimated that Turkey's cattle and sheep population in 2026 could reach up to 18.7 and 39.2 million, respectively. At these population levels, Turkey's cattle and sheep manure based biomethane generation could reach up to 1.99 billion m3 and 0.15 billion m3, respectively. This is equal to a total of nearly 2.14 billion m3 of biomethane in 2026. This amount of biomethane could provide nearly 6,600 GWh of electricity or supply nearly 2.9% of Turkey's natural gas demand in 2026.

Time to change course on climate

Summary The 25th annual climate conference marks a quarter of a century of humanity failing to do enough to avert a climate catastrophe. Although a wave of climate strikes and Extinction Rebellion protests has brought the issues to the forefront, experts warn that the pledged reductions are insufficient. A backlash from short-term corporate interests and populist politics could threaten even what little progress has been secured so far. Michael Gross reports.

Benin‘de Kanatlı Hayvan Etinin Üretimi ve Tüketimi

Bu makalede, Benin‘in kanatlı hayvan eti üretimi sektöründeki girişimcilik fırsatlarının değerlendirebilmesi için kanatlı hayvan etinin üretim ve tüketim değerleri ele alınmıştır. Ayrıca ülkeye yıllık ithal edilen et ve ekonomik değeri de incelenmiştir. Bu amaçla, INSAE, Tarım ve Hayvancılık Bakanlığı (MAEP) ve FAO raporları değerlendirilmiştir. Ayrıca daha önce yapılmış benzer makalelerden de bazı veriler kullanılmıştır. Bu makalenin sonucunda, kişi başına gelirin büyümesi ve gıda seçeneklerinin genişletilmesi sayesinde gıda ürünleri ve tüketim modellerinin değişmekte olduğu söylenebilmektedir. Benin‘de 2013 (sonraki yıllara ait veri bulunmamaktadır) yılında kişi başına et tüketimi 25,2 kg‘a ulaşmıştır. Ancak dünya ortalaması (43,22 kg/kişi/yıl) dikkate alındığında et tüketiminin oldukça düşük olduğu görülmektedir. Benin‘de ulusal üretilen etlerin %21‘i kanatlı hayvan etinden oluşmaktadır. Ulusal kanatlı hayvan eti üretimi ise yükselen et talebini karşılayamamaktadır. Yerel üretimin tüketimdeki payı 2005‘ten 2013‘e kadar oldukça düşmüştür (%21‘den %6‘ya). Benin‘e ithal edilen toplam et miktarının %98‘i kanatlı hayvan etidir (tavuk ve hindi eti) ve 2010-2016 yılları arasında yıllık ithal edilen kanatlı hayvan eti değeri ortalama 216.358 milyon dolar olarak gerçekleşmiştir. Bu durum döviz kaybına neden olmaktadır. Mevcut veriler değerlendirildiğinde Benin‘de kanatlı hayvan üretimine yönelik yatırım fırsatları değerlendirilmelidir. Ayrıca gıda güvenliği alanında önemli eksiklikler bulunmakta ve bu alanda ihtiyaçların karşılanması ve geliştirilmesi de girişimcilik fırsatlarını içermektedir.

Can Regional Organic Agriculture Feed the Regional Community? A Case Study for Hamburg and North Germany

We compute degrees of food self-sufficiency for regions in North Germany with the city state of Hamburg at the centre, given different diets (the German average diet versus increasing substitution of legumes for meat) and production methods (conventional versus organic). Triangulating data of statistical databases, literature, and our own collection, we compute land footprints per capita and multiply by regional populations. Our findings indicate that there is great potential to feed the regional community surrounding Hamburg solely with regionally, organically grown foods, but this result depends on (1) composition of diets — specifically, the per capita meat consumption – and (2) agricultural area available in the defined region. On the basis of simplifying assumptions, the computation indicates an approximation of what is possible.

Comparative study of fatty acid profiles in the muscular tissue (Longissimus dorsis ) of bovines from Chile, Paraguay and Brazil

Abstract Per capita meat consumption in Chile is 89.1 kg per year in 2014, of which approximately 25 kg are beef. Some 50% of the beef consumed is imported as vacuum packaged meat from two species, Bos taurus, produced mainly in Chile, Argentina and Paraguay, and Bos indicus, which comes mainly from Brazil and Paraguay. The latter two countries account for the highest levels of beef imports in Chile. The objective of this investigation was to study and compare the fatty acid profiles of beef from Bos Taurus from Chile and Bos indicus from Paraguay and Brazil. Samples of vacuum packaged Longissimus dorsi muscle tissue were collected from private companies, two Chilean, three Paraguayan and two Brazilian. The fatty acid profiles were determined by GLC according to standardized regulations. There were differences in the fat profiles of the analyzed meats, mainly in the content of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Brazilian and Paraguayan beef had similar fat compositions, with higher saturated fat content and lower monounsaturated fat content than the Chilean beef. The saturated and monounsaturated fat contents in the Chilean beef were similar. All the analyzed beef samples had a low content of trans and polyunsaturated fats.