A global dataset of the national green and blue water footprint of livestock feeds

Agriculture accounts for a significant share of global freshwater use, with the livestock sector contributing substantially. The production of animal feeds stands out as the step of the production chain responsible for the high water use associated with the consumption of animal-source foods. Estimating the water footprint (WF) of livestock feeds is crucial for sustainable animal farming. This study fills gaps in the existing literature by evaluating the WF of 140 animal feed products across 262 countries. Utilizing the WATNEEDS model, we quantify green and blue water requirements based on crop-specific areas and climatic data averaged between 2015 and 2019. Our analysis covers rainfed and irrigated conditions, considering crop yields, conversion factors, and feed use fractions. Results provide insights into the water footprint associated with diverse feed products globally, aiding in informed decision-making for sustainable livestock production systems. This dataset contributes to enhancing our understanding of the environmental impact of the livestock sector and informs on strategies for water resource management in the agri-food sector through more sustainable animal nutrition.