Intensive animal production

Barton Gade P (2002), Welfare of animal production in intensive and organic systems with special reference to Danish organic pig production , Meat Sci, 62, 353-358. 

Consideration of the nitrogen (N) balance during livestock production reveals a large difference between the input of N and its output in animal products (1, 2). For example, ruminants excrete between 75 and 95% of the N ingested (3). Much of the N not accounted for in input-output relationships of this type is lost from the soil-plant-animal system, particularly when intensively managed. Loss of ammonia (NH3) through volatilisation to the atmosphere is expected to be a major, if not the most important pathway of N loss during livestock production. 

Application of manure, fertilizer and pesticides intensive animal production practices... 

Intensification of agriculture has increased fertilizer use and stock densities, increasing overall nutrient loadings from these diffuse nonpoint sources, At the same time, the growing demand for animal products has led to an increase in facilities for intensive animal production (sometimes known as feedlots"), which are often point sources of contamination,... 

Box 5.2 Risk factors - intensive animal production (feedlots)... 

Since the 1960 s, when whole soybeans first began to be used in intensive animal production, there has been a massive increase in the quantities of soy produced around the world. Although the bulk of this production is processed into a host of useful products ranging from margarine to ink, a significant proportion is now used as full-fat soy for animal feeding. Part of this increase in full-fat soybean meal production and use has been a result of recognition of the value of this material as a concentrated source of nutrients (8). 

Decision 2002/657/EC has set relative abundance criteria that are dependent on the relative intensities of two transitions (Table 6.2), and has also established an identification points (IPs) system in order to confirm organic residues and contaminants in live animals and animal products (Table 6.3). For instance, where the relative intensity of the confirmation MRM is >50%, the maximum permitted tolerance is 20% relative. Therefore, at 60% relative abundance, the acceptable range would be 48-72%. With regard to the assignment of IPs, one precursor ion and one transition product are assigned I IP and 1.5 IPs, respectively, from a low-resolution (unit mass) mass spectrometer. Therefore, one precursor and two transitions from a QqQ mass spectrometer earn a total of 4 IPs. For the confirmation of banned substances listed in group A in Council Directive 96/23/EC, a minimum of 4 IPs are required. For substances listed in the group B in the directive, a minimum of 3 IPs are mandatory. 

Biosecurity is the control of pathogen entry and proliferation. It has become an essential aspect of any intensive animal production unit and is one of the most difficult challenges facing the emerging finlish and shellfish... 

---