Animals we eat most

Latest data from the United Nations’ unit Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has ranked the animal sources of food.

Chicken: Approximately 38% of global meat production comes from chicken. The United States is the largest producer of chicken meat, followed by China, Brazil, European Union, and India.

Cattle: Approximately 22% of global meat production comes from cattle. The cattle group denotes domesticated bovine animals that are raised for beef production, such as buffaloes, cows, bulls and even yaks. These animals also contribute to milk production. The US, Brazil, China, Argentina, Australia and India are the largest producers of cattle meat.

Pigs: Approximately 16% of global meat production comes from pigs. China is by far the largest producer and consumer of pork, followed by the European Union, the United States, Brazil and Russia.

Sheep and goats: Sheep and goats account for approximately 6% of global meat production. They are most commonly consumed in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in parts of Asia and Europe. Country-wise leading producers include China, Australia, Iran, New Zealand, and Turkey.

Meat money value (US $, 2020)

Beef: United States - $67.8 billion, Brazil - $49.4 billion, China - $45.6 billion, Argentina - $4.4 billion, and Australia - $4.2 billion.

Pork: China - $140.4 billion, European Union - $63.9 billion, United States - $23.2 billion, Brazil - $13.3 billion, and Russia - $9.5 billion.

Chicken: United States - $51.5 billion, Brazil - $17.5 billion, European Union - $14.6 billion, China - $13.8 billion, and India - $9.9 billion.

Sheep, goat & lamb: China - $5.2 billion; Australia - $1.5 billion, Iran - $1.2 billion, New Zealand - $590 million, and Turkey - $441 million.

These values change based on factors like currency exchange rates, market conditions, and production levels.