5. 7 Meat Production Methods

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to meat production methods, including definitions of practices, processes, and environmental impacts associated with meat production.

How does overgrazing occur

Overgrazing occurs when too many animals feed on a particular area of land. This causes loss of vegetation which leads to soil erosion

Less consumption of meat could reduce CO2 and methane

What is desertification

desertification is the process by which dry areas with low rainfall become even more arid over time, eventually turning into deserts

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

Densely crowded method for raising livestock, where animals are fed grains to maximize meat production and minimize costs.

Disadvantages of CAFOS

Given antibiotics & growth hormones to prevent disease outbreak and speed meat production (animals can become resistant towards antibiotics just like humans)

Animals produce a large amount of waste which can contaminate nearby surface or groundwater

Produces large amounts of methane and greenhouses

Manure Lagoons

Large open storage pits for animal waste that can overflow and contaminate water sources with harmful substances.

Free Range Grazing

Method of meat production where animals graze on grass naturally, leading to meat that is typically free of antibiotics and hormones.

More expensive and requires more land.

10% Rule

The principle that suggests only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next in a food chain.

Rotational Grazing

Grazing method that involves moving animals between pastures to prevent overgrazing and promote grass growth.

Antibiotics and Growth Hormones

Substances administered to livestock to prevent disease and accelerate growth, which can have human health implications.