ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the hidden water resources use behind meat and dairy. It considers the supply chain of meat and dairy and, then, because the water footprint of animal feed is by far the most significant component in the water footprint of animals and reviews the importance of feed composition and the so-called ‘feed conversion efficiency’. The chapter discusses the water footprint of meat and dairy with the water footprint of crops, in terms of litres per kg, but also in terms of litres per unit of nutritional content. It presents a few words on the fish in our diet, which is generally not considered ‘meat’ but is nonetheless an animal product. The chapter highlights the international character of the livestock-water issue and argues for putting the issue higher on the agenda of consumers, governments and the meat and dairy sector itself. The supply chain of meat and dairy starts with feed crop cultivation and ends with the consumer.
