Choosing between animals

Abstract

Consideration is given to possible changes in emphasis in the ratio of crops to animal products, and in the contribution from different animal products to Britain’s food supplies. Basic factors affecting the biological and economic efficiency with which animals convert feedstuffs to food for man are considered with emphasis on lifetime performances of whole populations. Estimates are made of the efficiency with which current commercial farm animal systems provide food, with brief reference to less conventional animals. Attention is focused on the range of ruminant systems whether heavily dependent on forage, or on grain and other concentrated feeds. Capital, labour and support energy needs of various animal systems are considered briefly. The results are evaluated in relation to other recent studies and to the long term problems of food policy planning.