Factory farming
Factory farming refers to large-scale,
industrialized, intensive rearing of
livestock,
poultry and
fish. The practice is widespread in
developed nations - much of the
meat,
dairy and
eggs available in
supermarkets is raised in this manner.
The term factory farming is favored by environmental activists and organic consumer groups, and usually has a negative connotation. It describes extreme forms of intensive animal agriculture for which there is no other common label.
Operations typically called factory farms focus on producing a marketable product at the lowest unit cost. Common factory farming practices include:
- restricted space - To save space, animals are permanently confined to small indoor areas, often unable to turn around or move without contacting other animals.
- drug programs - Antibiotics, vitamins, hormones, and other supplements are administered regularly, in part to counteract the effects of crowding.
- alternative feed - Various materials that contain vital nutrients are substituted for traditional feed (eg: cows are fed poultry litter in place of hay and grain; calves are given cow blood protein concentrate in place of mother's milk).
- nutrient management - Generated manure and urine are automatically collected in a local sewage system and redistributed to local agricultural lands.
Critics claim that factory farming is inhumane, poses health risks, and causes
environmental damage. Arguments include:
Proponents claim that factory farming is a useful agricultural advance:
- Intensive agriculture is necessary to meet food demand.
- Properly run factory farms meet government standards for safe and humane food production.
See also: agribusiness,
organic farming