Meat Production Methods (College Board AP® Environmental Science) : Study Guide
Meat production
Meat production involves raising animals for food
Meat production uses different farming techniques that impact:
efficiency
cost
environmental effects
The two primary methods of meat production are:
concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)
free-range grazing
Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)
Also known as feedlots
These are intensive livestock farming systems where animals are confined in small spaces and rapidly fattened for slaughter
Animals are typically fed grains and processed feeds rather than natural diets like grass
CAFOs are designed to maximize meat production in a short period
Free-range grazing
In free-range systems, animals roam freely and graze on natural vegetation
This method mimics natural feeding behaviors, leading to less reliance on processed feeds
Free-range meat production is often seen as more ethical and environmentally friendly
Efficiency of meat production
Meat vs. plant-based food production
Meat production is significantly less efficient than plant-based agriculture
Producing meat requires more land, water, and energy compared to growing crops for direct human consumption
It takes approximately 20 times more land to produce the same number of calories from meat as from plants
Reasons for lower efficiency of meat production
Land use
Livestock require grazing land or feed crops, which could otherwise be used for direct food production
Energy and resource consumption
Feeding livestock is inefficient: Calories are lost as energy moves up the food chain
Only about 10% of energy is transferred between trophic levels, with the rest lost through heat and metabolism
Livestock use energy for movement, digestion, and bodily functions, reducing the amount of energy available for human consumption
Water-intensive: Raising animals requires significantly more water for drinking and irrigating animal feed crops
Fossil fuel use: Transporting, feeding, and processing livestock contributes to higher carbon emissions

Concentrated animal feeding operations
CAFOs are commonly used for cattle, pigs, and poultry
Advantages of CAFOs
Cost efficiency
Lower production costs: CAFOs allow for mass production of meat at a lower cost per animal
Affordable meat prices: Reduced costs are passed on to consumers, making meat more accessible
Efficient land use: CAFOs require less land per animal compared to free-range grazing
Increased productivity
Faster growth rates: Livestock are fed high-calorie, grain-based diets to promote rapid weight gain
Year-round production: Unlike free-range grazing, CAFOs allow for continuous meat production regardless of season or climate
Disadvantages of CAFOs
Animal welfare concerns
High stocking densities: Animals are often housed in crowded conditions, leading to stress and disease
Limited natural behaviors: Confinement restricts animals from engaging in their normal activities, such as grazing or foraging
Increased antibiotic use: Due to high disease risk, animals are frequently given antibiotics, contributing to antibiotic resistance
Environmental impacts
Large-scale waste production: CAFOs generate massive amounts of manure, which can lead to:
Water pollution: Runoff from waste storage lagoons contaminates groundwater and local water sources
Air pollution: Methane and ammonia emissions contribute to climate change and poor air quality
High water and grain consumption: Raising livestock in CAFOs requires large amounts of feed and water, increasing agricultural resource demands
Free-range grazing
Advantages of free range grazing
Better animal welfare
Animals can express natural behaviors, such as grazing and roaming
Reduces stress, overcrowding, and disease outbreaks compared to CAFOs
Animals are less likely to require antibiotics since they are not kept in confined, high-density conditions
Environmental benefits
Organic waste acts as a natural fertilizer, improving soil quality
Less reliance on grain-based feed, reducing agricultural demand for crops like corn and soy
Can help maintain biodiversity and healthy grassland ecosystems when managed properly
Healthier meat production
Meat from free range animals tends to be free from growth hormones and antibiotics
Some studies suggest free-range meat contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to feedlot meat
Disadvantages of free-range grazing
Higher land requirements
Requires large areas of land, which may not be available in all regions
Overgrazing can degrade soil and lead to desertification if not managed properly
Higher production costs
More expensive to maintain, leading to higher consumer prices for free-range meat
Less efficient than CAFOs in terms of meat production per acre
Potential environmental concerns
Overgrazing can lead to loss of vegetation, soil compaction, and erosion
In some cases, livestock can damage natural habitats if stocking rates are too high
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In your exam, be ready to compare free range grazing with CAFOs, focusing on factors like efficiency, cost, environmental impact, and animal welfare.
Consider trade-offs: Free-range grazing may improve animal welfare and reduce antibiotic use, but it also requires more land and has higher costs, meaning that many consumers may not be able to afford meat produced via this method.
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