Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) refer to agricultural facilities where a significant number of animals are kept in a confined space such as poultry houses, feedlots, or dairy barns. CAFOs are designed for intensive livestock production, optimizing space and resources to house, feed, and raise animals for commercial purposes.
These operations typically confine animals within small areas or cages, limiting their movement and often employing methods to maximize productivity. Such facilities can rear a large number of livestock in a relatively small space, enabling efficient mass production of meat, milk, eggs, or other animal products.
In CAFOs, animals are often intensively fed using concentrated diets that may include grains, by-products, or synthetic additives to enhance growth and productivity. These animals may also receive medications and supplements routinely to maintain health and prevent diseases that may flourish in concentrated animal populations.
While CAFOs aim to increase yields and optimize efficiency in livestock production, they can give rise to environmental and ethical concerns. The large quantities of manure produced in CAFOs can contribute to water pollution if not properly managed. Additionally, the confinement and crowded conditions may raise animal welfare concerns, as animals may experience restricted movement, stress, and increased susceptibility to disease.
Overall, CAFOs are a key component of modern industrialized agriculture, playing a significant role in meeting the demand for animal-based food products worldwide.
