Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)

Definition

CAFOs are large-scale industrial agricultural facilities where a high number of animals, such as cows or chickens, are confined in small spaces. These operations aim to maximize production efficiency but often result in environmental and animal welfare concerns.

Analogy

Imagine a crowded city apartment building with hundreds of people living in tiny apartments. The limited space and high population density can lead to various issues like noise pollution, sanitation problems, and increased stress levels.

Related terms

Factory Farming: Industrialized farming practices that prioritize high production rates and efficiency over animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Water Pollution: Contamination of water bodies due to the release of waste materials from CAFOs, which can include excess nutrients, antibiotics, hormones, and pathogens.

Air Quality: The measure of pollutants released into the atmosphere by CAFOs through emissions from manure storage facilities or ventilation systems.