Industrial Animal Production Systems

Industrial animal production systems are characterised by efficient conversion of high quality feed into animal product. The industrial systems are particularly prominent in areas with a comparative advantage, resulting from a well developed infrastructure, technical knowledge and a high demand for the products. The industrial system generally occurs in areas with a good access to large quantities of low-cost feed and close to urban centres. Industrial animal production systems are generally large-scale and require a large investment, resulting in high labour productivity, but generating work for few people. The large-scale nature and the intensive production imply large volumes of waste and high animal health risks.

The large volumes of animal waste products can cause soil, water and air pollution. Most effects are caused by emissions from manure in the form of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and heavy metals (copper, zinc and cadmium). Emissions from manure in the stables, during storage, after application on soils or when manure is simply disposed of. Manure production has a potential effect on air (ammonia, greenhouse gases and smells), on ground and surface water (leakage, run- off, leaching) and on the soil (saturation with minerals, toxicity). There is a potential indirect effect on vegetation (acid rain) and biodiversity (as a result of soil and plant ecosystems). Through eutrophication and oxygen depletion of surface water there is the potential loss of aquatic resources (e.g fish).

Other potential environmental impacts of the industrial animal production process are loss of biodiversity (loss of local breeds), local effects on soils (local contamination), water (use of fresh water resources, and contamination of drainage and ground water), and air (smell).

The energy requirements of the system are high especially for the application and the processing of manure. Also the system requires inputs in fossil energy for transport, heating, ventilation etc.

Within the industrial animal production system the following sub-systems are recognised:

- Poultry production (broilers and layers)
- Pig production
- Ruminant feedlot meat production
- Large-scale (peri-)urban dairy production

Other similar systems exist e.g. turkey, duck or rabbit production. From environmental point of view these systems are similar to the systems mentioned above, particularly to poultry production.

> > [Livestock & Environment Toolbox Home]