Sustainable Livestock Production and Its Role in Public Health Nutrition: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Sustainable livestock production has emerged as a central pillar in the transformation of global food systems, particularly in the context of rising population pressures, climate change, and persistent malnutrition. Animal-source foods (ASFs) such as meat, milk, and eggs provide highly bioavailable proteins and essential micronutrients—including iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and essential fatty acids—that are critical for human growth, cognitive development, and overall health. These nutritional benefits are especially significant for vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income regions, where deficiencies in key nutrients remain widespread. However, conventional livestock production systems have been increasingly associated with adverse environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, water depletion, and biodiversity loss. In addition, public health concerns such as zoonotic disease transmission, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have intensified scrutiny of current livestock practices. This review critically examines the intersection between sustainable livestock production and public health nutrition, integrating evidence from agriculture, environmental science, and nutritional epidemiology. It explores the multidimensional framework of sustainability—encompassing environmental integrity, economic viability, social equity, and health outcomes—and evaluates how livestock systems can be optimized to deliver safe, nutritious food while minimizing ecological and health risks. The review further highlights innovative strategies such as climate-smart livestock management, precision farming technologies, improved feed efficiency, and integrated crop–livestock systems that enhance productivity and sustainability simultaneously. Policy approaches, including the One Health framework and sustainable dietary guidelines, are discussed as essential mechanisms for aligning livestock production with public health goals. The paper concludes that while livestock systems are indispensable for global nutrition security, their future must be shaped by sustainable intensification, responsible consumption patterns, and robust regulatory frameworks. A balanced and evidence-based approach is required to harness the nutritional benefits of livestock-derived foods while mitigating their environmental footprint and public health risks. This integrated perspective is crucial for achieving long-term food security, improved population health, and environmental sustainability.