Citation: Kioumarsi, H., Sarsozo, M., & Pacheco, R. (2026). Animal Husbandry and Food Products in the Context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Research Communities by Springer Nature. https://go.nature.com/49NORwp

The United Nations has established a comprehensive range of global standards and policies that cover a wide range of industries, including the fields of medical sciences, agriculture, animal husbandry, and the food industry. Animal husbandry is an integral part of the global food system, the rural economy, and human nutrition. Animal farming is an essential source of food products like meat, milk, and eggs. Additionally, animal farming is a major source of income and livelihood for millions of people across the world. However, the animal husbandry industry is facing increased pressure due to concerns over the environmental, health, and social implications of the industry. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations provide an integrated approach to animal husbandry.

Currently, animal production is an essential tool for providing high-quality proteins and other nutrients to the world’s inhabitants, especially in areas where plant-based food sources may not be sufficient to fulfill nutritional requirements. Apart from food production, animal farming is an important tool for the rural economy. However, modern animal production has come under increased criticism for its impact on climate change, land degradation, water pollution, and health risks. The double role of animal production in meeting human requirements and contributing to environmental and social challenges makes it a very important sector in the global sustainability debate.

Livestock ownership, in many poor households is one of the most accessible routes out of poverty. It can act as productive assets that produce income from milk, meat, eggs, and manure, as well as being sold in times of economic shocks. Livestock can also improve household resilience with supportive market, veterinary, and credit services. However, climate shocks, diseases, and market volatility can undermine these benefits, thus emphasizing the importance of supportive policies and risk management.

Animal-sourced foods contribute to the reduction of hunger and malnutrition. They are rich in protein and micronutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. In Rwanda, there is a positive relationship between livestock ownership and animal-sourced foods consumption/nutrition for children. However, the role of livestock in food security has to be country-specific. In countries where there is a lack of nutrients in foods, increasing animal-sourced foods consumption is good for health. In contrast, in high-income countries, excessive consumption is a problem due to health and environmental concerns.

Livestock systems are also related to human health, with the positive side being the support for nutrition and dietary diversity, while the negative side includes the potential for zoonotic diseases, foodborne diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. The widespread use of antimicrobials in animal production is considered a major driver of antimicrobial resistance, which is a global public health concern. Therefore, there is a need to address biosecurity, animal welfare, and veterinary practices in order to achieve the link between animal production and health.

Water resources are also impacted by livestock production, with the major effects being the high water demand for animal production, as well as pollution caused by manure and agrochemicals. Intensive animal production can cause nutrient pollution, which may lead to eutrophication, thus deteriorating the quality of water.

The livestock value chain creates millions of jobs worldwide, from the farmer to the processor, trader, and transport worker. If well regulated, this sector can be a major contributor to sustainable economic growth. However, the prevalence of informal labor, poor working conditions, and lack of social protection is a problem, especially in low-income countries. Improving labor standards and skills development can be beneficial for both productivity and workers' welfare.

Sustainability of livestock is not only considered in the production system but also in the consumption system. Food loss reduction, the efficiency of feed use, and the circular economy are some of the significant strategies for the sustainability of animal product consumption. Precision livestock farming technology can also contribute to the sustainability of animal production. At the consumption level, a balanced diet can also contribute to the achievement of the goals of sustainable consumption and production.

Animal production is a significant source of greenhouse gases, particularly methane. The manure management system is also a source of greenhouse gases. The transition of animal husbandry to a more sustainable path will require a collaborative effort between technology, policy, and behavioral change. There are many innovations in animal husbandry, such as the use of more efficient breeding techniques, the design of more efficient rations, and the use of technology to monitor the sector. There is also the use of the bioeconomy concept to promote the use of manure as a source of biogas.

Lastly, animal husbandry takes a central place in the global sustainability agenda. It has been a major contributor to sustainable development globally while at the same time causing a significant amount of environmental degradation. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a comprehensive understanding of the intricate trade-offs in animal husbandry. They offer guidelines towards making animal husbandry more sustainable while advancing sustainable development.

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