The western worlds birth rate has been declining for years which is why we and Europe are headed for problems, having more retirees than young folks working so direct your "birth rate" comments to India and Turkey and eastern parts of the globe.
And I do think this discussion has something to do with meat production because the rest of the world want more meat too, as soon as they have risen above poverty.
I buy grass-fed meat and wild-caught seafood but only eat 4 ounces a day which usually comes to $2.50 per person a day in our family at $10/lb which I am able to do by stocking up during sales. I live in a small town with no local farms so the grocery store (
not Whole Paycheck, ha) is it for me. The nuts we buy (walnuts, pecans) may cost us more weekly than meat but I'm afraid to check
I was a vegetarian before UC and liked it very much but my colon does better with some meat and no gluten and little dairy (only aged cheese). I obey my colon.
Factory farms will exist forever because the majority of people want the lowest price no questions asked. Government may regulate them regarding antibiotics and health issues but humane treatment is far away. There aren't enough laws for humane treatment of humans in many countries let alone animals.
I've read that meat eating is responsible for our larger human brains and is perhaps where we branched off from apes.