What is a characteristic feature of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)?

A characteristic feature of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) is high animal density. CAFOs are designed to maximize the efficiency of livestock production, often housing a large number of animals in a relatively small space. This concentrated approach allows for streamlined feeding, management, and production processes, making operations more cost-effective.

High animal density can lead to significant productivity but also raises various concerns related to animal welfare, environmental impact, and potential pollution issues due to waste management challenges. Given that CAFOs aim to produce large quantities of meat, eggs, or dairy products, this characteristic is central to their operational model.

In contrast, low animal density, environmentally friendly practices, and free-ranging animals typically describe systems that prioritize welfare, sustainability, and less intensive farming approaches, which differ greatly from the CAFO model.