The study, part-funded by the Department of Health, has also recommended that a reduction in meat consumption would have positive effects on human health.

It states that it would lower the intake of saturated fat leading to reductions in heart disease.

The report, a series of six documents on how climate change policies will affect human health across the globe, has been widely reported and takes the debate about meat consumption to a new level.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband and International Developments Minister Mike Foster all endorsed it as it was launched on Wednesday.

South of the border, NFU of England and Wales president Peter Kendal condemned the report as “simplistic” and “ill informed”, while the Conservatives have branded it “careless” and “potentially damaging” in efforts to change public attitudes towards climate change.

NFU Scotland president Jim McLaren said: “Commentators who suggest that eating less meat will mitigate against climate change clearly have no understanding of Scottish livestock production systems. Much of the UK’s land is suitable only for extensive grazing systems. The question these commentators should be asking is “where has the meat been produced?”.

“Scotland and the EU are likely to play an increasing role in world food production in years to come, as the effects of climate change are felt and water becomes scarce in some other parts of the world.

“The answer to reducing emissions from livestock lies in efficient production systems.

“Agriculture has already reduced its emissions by 17% since the baseline year of 1990. Residential emissions have remained largely static over the same period.

“We need to see more investment in research and development, particularly in ruminant diets, in order for agriculture to improve still further.”

Market report round-up

AT John Swan’s store sale yesterday of 198 feeding cattle and suckled calves at St Boswells, bullocks sold to 201.6p per kg for Lim. X and averaged 162.8p. Heifers sold to 186.5p for Char. X and averaged 154.1p.

The firm also had an entry of 1117 feeding lambs and all classes met the fastest trade of the season. Suffolk X and Texels sold to £63.50, Mules and Cheviots to £58.50, while Blackfaces sold to £46.50.

Yesterday’s store cattle sale at Ayr saw 160 bullocks average 161.3p per kg and 144 heifers average 155.8p. Top price of the day for bullocks was 218.3p for Charolais and for heifers 190p, also for Charolais.