Ostrich meat is being touted as a sustainable alternative to beef, with claims that it tastes similar and has a lower environmental impact. A recent conversation highlighted the benefits of ostrich meat, which is considered more sustainable than traditional red meats like beef, which is known for its significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Beef production is responsible for over twice the greenhouse gas emissions of pork and nearly four times that of chicken, primarily due to the methane produced by cattle. In contrast, ostrich meat's climate impact appears to be less severe. A report from South Africa in 2020 indicated that ostrich meat's greenhouse gas emissions were only slightly higher than those of chicken.
Researchers from the University of Zurich confirmed that ostriches emit methane levels comparable to other non-ruminant mammals, like pigs. However, Marcus Clauss, a co-author of the study, cautioned against focusing solely on methane, as a complete assessment of ostrich meat's environmental impact must consider carbon dioxide emissions from feed production.
The complexity of emissions from different types of feed, such as corn and soybeans, adds to the challenge of evaluating ostrich's sustainability. While some studies have shown varying results regarding the climate impact of ostrich meat, there remains a lack of credible, peer-reviewed research specifically on ostrich farming in the United States.
Ultimately, the debate over the sustainability of different meats may be less important than the overall message to reduce meat consumption. As Brian Kateman from the Reducetarian Foundation suggests, reducing meat intake can be more effective than trying to find the perfect meat alternative. Despite the curiosity surrounding ostrich meat, its high price limits its feasibility for regular meals, leaving many to stick with traditional options like prime rib during special occasions.