Livestock production is a dynamic global sector, with developing countries experiencing rapid growth in demand for livestock products due to population, income, and urbanization trends. In contrast, developed countries see stagnant demand, with increased efficiency and sustainability. Historical growth has been driven by science, technology, and animal numbers, but future trends will be influenced by competition for land and water, food-feed competition, and carbon constraints. Advances in breeding, nutrition, and disease management will continue to boost production and efficiency, while environmental and animal welfare regulations will play a growing role. Future demand may be moderated by socio-economic factors like health concerns and cultural values, with significant regional uncertainties. Livestock systems occupy 30% of the planet's ice-free land and contribute significantly to global food and protein consumption. They have both positive and negative impacts on natural resources, public health, and economic growth. Livestock production is a rapidly growing agricultural subsector in developing countries, with a significant share of agricultural GDP. In the developing world, meat production tripled between 1980 and 2002, while in developed countries, production and consumption are growing slowly or stagnating. This creates opportunities for livestock keepers in developing countries, where most demand is met by local production. Future trends in livestock production will be shaped by factors such as competition for land and water, climate change, and socio-cultural drivers. Livestock production is likely to be increasingly affected by carbon constraints and environmental legislation. The future may also see the rise of artificial meat, nanotechnology, and increased social concern over new technologies. The paper discusses the evolution of livestock production systems over the coming decades, highlighting key uncertainties and the need for sustainable practices that balance food security, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability.Livestock production is a dynamic global sector, with developing countries experiencing rapid growth in demand for livestock products due to population, income, and urbanization trends. In contrast, developed countries see stagnant demand, with increased efficiency and sustainability. Historical growth has been driven by science, technology, and animal numbers, but future trends will be influenced by competition for land and water, food-feed competition, and carbon constraints. Advances in breeding, nutrition, and disease management will continue to boost production and efficiency, while environmental and animal welfare regulations will play a growing role. Future demand may be moderated by socio-economic factors like health concerns and cultural values, with significant regional uncertainties. Livestock systems occupy 30% of the planet's ice-free land and contribute significantly to global food and protein consumption. They have both positive and negative impacts on natural resources, public health, and economic growth. Livestock production is a rapidly growing agricultural subsector in developing countries, with a significant share of agricultural GDP. In the developing world, meat production tripled between 1980 and 2002, while in developed countries, production and consumption are growing slowly or stagnating. This creates opportunities for livestock keepers in developing countries, where most demand is met by local production. Future trends in livestock production will be shaped by factors such as competition for land and water, climate change, and socio-cultural drivers. Livestock production is likely to be increasingly affected by carbon constraints and environmental legislation. The future may also see the rise of artificial meat, nanotechnology, and increased social concern over new technologies. The paper discusses the evolution of livestock production systems over the coming decades, highlighting key uncertainties and the need for sustainable practices that balance food security, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability.