This paper reviews recent research carried out regarding the hidden water resource use behind meat and dairy production. First, the water footprint concept is introduced, an indicator increasingly used worldwide to assess the water resource implications of consumption and trade. Second, results from recent research are summarized, indicating that for assessing the water footprint of meat and dairy, it is most relevant to carefully consider both the feed conversion effi ciency when raising animals and the feed composition. Third, the water footprint of animal products is compared with the water footprint of crops. Next, the water footprint of a meat-based diet is compared with the water footprint of a vegetarian diet. It is then shown that understanding the relationship between food consumption and the use of freshwater resources is no longer just a local issue.
HOEKSTRA, A.Y. (2012): The Hidden Water Resource Use Behind Meat and Dairy. In: Animal Frontiers: Volume 2 , 3-8. URL [Accessed: 03.09.2013]