Intensive animal farming

Intensive animal farming or industrial livestock production, also known by its opponents as factory farming, is a type of intensive agriculture, specifically an approach towards animal husbandry designed to maximize production, while minimizing costs. To achieve this, agribusinesses keep livestock such as cattle, poultry, and fish at high stocking densities, typically in large-scale facilities, often referred to as factory farms.

History

The concept of intensive animal farming has its roots in the Industrial Revolution, with the advent of improved farming technology and the development of larger, more efficient farms. The trend towards intensive farming grew significantly in the post-World War II era, with the introduction of new technologies and methods such as antibiotics and growth hormones, artificial insemination, and genetically modified organisms.

Practices

Intensive animal farming practices include the use of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), where animals are kept in confined spaces and fed a controlled diet to promote rapid growth. Other practices include the use of antibiotics and growth hormones to prevent disease and promote growth, and artificial insemination to increase reproductive efficiency.

Criticism and Controversy

Intensive animal farming has been criticized on many fronts. Critics argue that it is inhumane, as it often involves the confinement of animals in tight spaces, leading to significant animal welfare concerns. It has also been linked to various environmental issues, including water pollution, air pollution, and deforestation. Additionally, the use of antibiotics in intensive farming has been associated with the emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

See also

• Animal rights
• Sustainable agriculture
• Organic farming
• Vegetarianism
• Veganism