International studies on food consumption worldwide show that people's consumption of meat and fish varies significantly from country to country. These differences are notable not only in annual kilogram indicators but also in terms of how many animals a person consumes over their lifetime.
Calculations by Modern.az, based on FAO (UN Food and Agriculture Organization) data, international statistics, and average life expectancy indicators, show that in various countries, a person consumes hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of animals over their lifetime.
The country with the highest animal consumption in the world is the United States of America. According to “Scientific American,” an average American consumes approximately 7000 animals over their lifetime - including 4500 fish, 2400 chickens, 80 "turkeys," 30 sheep, 27 pigs, and 11 cows.
Azerbaijan is among the countries with average indicators in this context. According to calculations, in Azerbaijan, a person consumes approximately 4 head of cattle (cows), 32–35 head of small ruminants (sheep or goats), 710–750 chickens, and 320–350 fish over their lifetime. In total, this figure ranges between 1060–1140 animals. The high share of lamb consumption in the country is one of the main characteristics distinguishing Azerbaijan from several other countries.
Japan, however, holds a special place on this list. Fish plays a primary role in the diet there. An average life expectancy of around 84 years also increases overall consumption. As a result, a Japanese person consumes approximately 3 head of cattle, 850–920 chickens, and 2700–2900 fish over their lifetime. The total number of animals ranges from 3550–3820.
In European countries, a more balanced picture is observed. In Spain, a person consumes approximately 5 head of cattle, 9–11 sheep, 1250–1350 chickens, and 2000–2300 fish over their lifetime. The total indicator ranges between 3260–3660.
In France, a person consumes approximately 8–9 head of cattle, 11–13 sheep, 950–1050 chickens, and 1700–1900 fish over their lifetime, which totals 2660–2970 animals. In Italy, the indicator is in the range of 2400–2600: 6–7 cattle, 7–9 sheep, 950–1050 chickens, and 1400–1600 fish.
In countries like Russia and Ukraine, chicken consumption predominates. In Russia, a person consumes approximately 6 head of cattle, 6–7 sheep, 1350–1450 chickens, and 900–1000 fish over their lifetime. The total figure ranges between 2260–2460.
In Ukraine, these indicators are lower: 3–4 cattle, 3–5 sheep, 950–1050 chickens, and 650–750 fish. Total consumption is around 1600–1800 animals.
Kazakhstan's main food source is red meat, especially lamb. In Kazakhstan, a person consumes approximately 8–10 head of cattle, 30–35 sheep, 650–750 chickens, and 450–550 fish over their lifetime. The total indicator ranges between 1150–1350.
In countries like Turkey, Georgia, and Armenia, a similar dietary model to Azerbaijan is observed. In Turkey, a person consumes approximately 5–6 head of cows, 25–30 sheep, 1050–1150 chickens, and 350–420 fish over their lifetime. The total figure is in the range of 1450–1600.
In Georgia, these indicators amount to a total of 1220–1430 animals, comprising 5–6 cows, 20–22 sheep, 750–850 chickens, and 450–550 fish.
In Armenia, with the consumption of 4–5 cows, 18–20 sheep, 850–950 chickens, and 450–550 fish, the total indicator ranges between 1320–1520.
The research shows that the number of animals a person consumes over their lifetime can range from approximately 400 up to 3800. This difference is primarily linked to countries' levels of economic development, dietary traditions, geographical conditions, and access to food resources.
