Viw Magazine

Business Coach

  • Written by Leigh Ackland, Professor in Molecular Biosciences, Deakin University
There is rationale for thinking about alternatives to meat. Shutterstock

For many of us, eating a meal containing meat is a normal part of daily life. But if we dig deeper, some sobering issues emerge.

Every year, 66 billion terrestrial animals are slaughtered for food. Predictions are that meat consumption will rise, with increasing demand for meat from China and other Asian countries as their standards of living increase.

The impact of grazing animals on the environment is devastating. They produce 18% of the world’s greenhouse gases, and livestock farming is a major contributor to species extinctions.


Read more: No animal required, but would people eat artificial meat?


What’s more, humans have caused tremendous suffering to animals through industrial scale animal farming.

Some experts have even said meat may not be essential for most people, and a vegetarian diet is healthier than a meat-based one. So the rationale for developing meat alternatives – “fake meat” – is strong.

Fake meat can be made from plant-based materials that mimic the taste of meat. But for those who want something closer to the real thing, meat cells can be grown in a laboratory – this is called “in vitro agriculture”. Here’s how it works.

Growing meat, but not in an animal

The concept of cultured meat has been around for some time. In 1931, Winston Churchill even said:

We shall escape the absurdity of growing a whole chicken in order to eat the breast or wing. By growing these parts separately under a suitable medium.

The world’s first cultured beef burger was produced by Professor Mark Post at Maastricht University in The Netherlands. It was cooked and eaten publicly at a London restaurant in 2013. It took three months to grow the meat and cost €250,000.

Professor Mark Post’s TEDx Talk on “test tube meat”, 2013.

Since then, the race has been on to produce commercially available synthetic meat. Many companies have taken out patents to grow meat on a commercially viable scale and some have even received funding from people like Bill Gates and Richard Branson.


Read more: World's first lab-grown burger? Don't forget the semi-living steak


Thanks to advances in tissue engineering, we can take all sorts of cells ranging from skin and blood to muscle and the brain from different animals, and grow them under controlled laboratory conditions.

The type of meat people want to eat is from muscle. This means synthetic meat production involves producing large quantities of muscle cells in a laboratory.

Growing this involves three main processes:

  • selecting precursor (or “starter” cells) from the animal – in this case, muscle precursor cells – and providing them with the correct environment for growth

  • growing them in bulk in an environment that mimics an animal body

  • the precursor cells then have to be switched on (or “induced”) to turn into skeletal muscle by chemical or mechanical signals.

Simple culture of cells in a flask where they are grown in a single layer and covered with orange nutrient liquid.

The growing and conversion of cells into skeletal muscle are the major challenges the industry currently faces. The appearance of this meat would likely resemble burger-type meat, like a patty, rather than carcass meat, which is very structured.

For example, when you cut into a steak, you might see the meat organised into long strands or fibres. But with cultured meat, the organisation of the cells may be more haphazard.

It’s entirely feasible for some types of cells to grow fast and reproduce themselves once every 24 hours in a laboratory setting – this is much faster than in an animal. The challenge is to achieve this on a large scale in bio-reactors (a vessel to contain the laboratory-grown cells), and then to get all the cells converted from precursor cells to muscle cells.


Read more: Should lab-grown meat be labelled as meat when it's available for sale?


If eating the products of tissue cells seems unsavoury, consider that people already consume products of cell culture technologies. Over 50% of biological molecules for vaccines and for treating diseases (such as antibodies for cancer treatment) are produced in mammalian cell cultures..

So we are already on track to consume “fake”, or artificially synthesised, molecules.

What takes more resources – growing cows or growing cells?

It takes around 18 months for a cow to grow fully, after a pregnancy of 10 months.

So in total, it takes two years and four months of growth in a space roughly 10.5 by 15.2 square metres, in a barn. When a cow is killed, it produces a 300kg carcass and 180kg of butchered meat.

On the other hand, it takes 8 trillion cells in a laboratory to make 1 kilogram of muscle meat.

A container of 5,000 litres (the size of an average rainwater tank, or somewhere around 5 cubic metres) would be needed to grow this number of cells. This would account for cells grown in layers, and covered by a liquid to provide nutrients.


Read more: How to get the nutrients you need without eating as much red meat


If cells in a laboratory divide every 24 hours, then it would take just over 26 days to grow 1kg of meat.

This image shows how cells can be grown in three dimensions, and resemble an organ.

This growth rate is feasible for some types of cells, such as skin and gut, but has not yet been reported for muscle cells in a laboratory.

Therefore, lab-grown meat could take fewer natural resources (like vegetation and water) to grow the equivalent amount of animal meat. The commercial availability of “fake meat” could profoundly decrease the enormous environmental impact of grazing animals and reduce animal cruelty.

As 90% of Australians are concerned about animal welfare, and Australians are largely worried about climate change, fake meat has the potential to make a real impact to the meat industry.

Leigh Ackland does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Authors: Leigh Ackland, Professor in Molecular Biosciences, Deakin University

Read more http://theconversation.com/would-you-eat-meat-grown-from-cells-in-a-laboratory-heres-how-it-works-117420

Important Instructions for Australians Living in Camper Trailers

Living in a camper trailer offers Australians a unique way to embrace adventure and freedom while exploring the vast and beautiful landsca...

Maintaining Your Mini Digger: Tips for Longevity and Performance

If you're a proud owner or operator of a mini digger in Australia, you understand the importance of keeping your equipment in top-notch co...

Transform Your Business To Success: The Role Of Branding Agencies In Melbourne

In the bustling city of Melbourne, where every corner tells a story of innovation and creativity, the importance of branding cannot be o...

Revealing The Timeless Appeal Of Ladies' Bodysuits

Fashion has always been a canvas for self-expression, a realm where innovation and tradition intertwine to create garments that not only a...

What Is Crude Oil, and Why Is It Important to Investors?

Crude oil is the lifeblood of the global economy. As an investor, understanding the ins and outs of this vital commodity can be crucial to...

A Sweet Tooth's Guide to the Best Cakes in Melbourne

Indulge your sweet tooth in Melbourne's finest cakes! Brunetti offers decadent chocolate delights like Ciambella Chocolate Teacakes. Mel...

Alan Williams' Impact on Chicago's Defense: Analyzing Key Changes and Improvements

When Alan Williams stepped onto the field as the defensive coordinator for Chicago, expectations were high. His reputation for crafting di...

Understanding the Different Types of Pickup Truck Car Covers

Picking the right truck cover starts with understanding the various types available on the market. Each type is designed to address specif...

Understanding Commercial Plumbing in Adelaide

Introduction In the bustling city of Adelaide, where businesses thrive across diverse sectors, the seamless operation of commercial facil...

Driving into the Future: The Evolution of the Automotive Market in Australia - Trends and Predictions

Examining “the evolution of the automotive market in Australia: trends and predictions” reveals a swift embrace of electric vehicles a...

Crocs: Defying Fashion Norms and Redefining Individuality

In the realm of contemporary footwear, a singular item has emerged as a polarizing yet undeniably iconic choice: the versatile rubber shoe...

Benefits of Network Monitoring Devices in Businesses

In an era where seamless connectivity underpins business operations, ensuring a robust and secure network is paramount for any enterprise...

Tips for Staying Socially Active as a Senior

Staying socially active as a senior can be a challenging task. It becomes particularly difficult as mobility decreases, and friends and fa...

The Benefits of Living in Nature

Have you ever dreamed of buying a mountain property for sale, living immersed in nature, and being surrounded by the beauty of trees and w...

Affordable and Chic: A Guide to Stylish Splashback Tiling on a Budget

When it comes to kitchen renovations, splashback tiling stands out as a game-changer. Not only does it serve a practical purpose by protec...

How to Choose the Perfect Trailer for Your Needs

Whether you're hauling equipment for work or embarking on a weekend adventure, selecting the right trailer is essential. With a myriad of ...

Is There a downside to Taking collagen peptides? Understanding the Side Effects for a Healthier You

Introduction  Lately, everyone seems to be talking about collagen peptides. They're a type of protein that comes from collagen, a key pa...

The Best Materials for Living Room Plantation Shutters: A Comparison

Plantation shutters are a timeless and elegant window treatment that adds both style and functionality to any living space. When it comes ...

Top 5 Home Renovations That Increase Property Value

Enhancing the value of your property is a common goal for homeowners, whether they plan to sell soon or simply want to boost their investm...

Discover the Elegance of Sheer Curtains in Melbourne: A Guide to Custom-Made Sheer Elegance

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your living spaces, the right choice of window treatments can make all the ...

Tomorrow Business Growth