The water footprint estimates for meat production, such as the figure of 15,000 liters per steak, generally take into account the entire lifecycle of the meat, including the water used for animal feed, drinking water, cleaning, and processing. It's important to note that these figures are estimations and can vary depending on various factors such as farming practices, geographical location, and specific production methods.
The water usage in meat production includes not only the water consumed by the animals themselves but also the water used for cleaning and sanitizing the facilities, as you mentioned. Maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation in meat processing facilities is crucial for food safety and meeting health regulations.
While the specific breakdown of water usage for each stage of meat production may vary, it is generally recognized that meat production, especially beef, has a higher water footprint compared to plant-based alternatives. This is due to the additional water required for animal feed, the longer duration of raising livestock, and the overall inefficiency of converting plant-based feed into animal protein.
Reducing water usage in meat production and promoting sustainable practices are important considerations for addressing environmental concerns. This can involve implementing water-saving technologies, improving farming practices, and exploring alternative protein sources.
It's worth noting that water usage is just one aspect of the environmental impact associated with meat production. Other factors, such as greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and biodiversity loss, also need to be considered when evaluating the sustainability of different food choices.