From Cottage to Mansion

The population of the United States has grown immensely over time. With this growth in numbers, animal agriculture has as well moved to a higher density population to raise livestock on a more sustainable and efficient level. In most cases, it also is healthier and safer for the animals involved too. Read below about the various livestock industries and the importance of the housing facilities they use.

The Swine Industry in a Cottage.
The majority of the hogs living today are raised in confinement operations, buildings in which pigs are housed and unable to come in contact with the outdoor environment. This lifestyle is healthy for the pigs, as it drastically lessens the chances of them coming in contact with outdoor pathogens that can make them sick, and sadly lead to death. Most consumers believe this life is unfair to the pigs, but in reality farmers are just trying to keep them healthy. It also keeps the pigs safe as they tend to fight with one another when placed in group settings, which can create open wounds and lead to illnesses from bacterial infections.

The Dairy Industry in a Rambler.
Dairy cows have more freedom than hogs. They are housed in barns that consist of group animal contact, but not always allows them to roam outside. Windows or open walls give the barn an outdoor feel and allows for proper ventilation. This partial confinement setting is used so farmers can regulate the proper diet that the cows consume, so they can make the safest, most wholesome milk for the consumer.  Within the barns is a bedding option, which could be water beds, sand beds, or gel mats. The bedding creates comfort for the cows, so they spend plenty of time resting, minimizing lameness issues.

The Sheep Industry in a Two-Story Home.
Ewes and lambs are primarily raised outdoors amongst pastures. This facility lets the animals graze as they wish within the area fenced, but not at all times are they free to roam. During lambing time, sheep are confined for easier maintenance and checking for birthing. Immediately after lambing, a ewe and her lamb(s) are put into a small individual pen called a lambing jug. This pen allows for the ewe to create a bond with her lamb(s). After three to five days, they are returned back with the remainder of the flock. Their new found relationship though allows for them to find one another amongst the crowd.

The Beef Industry in a Mansion.
On a cow/calf operation, outdoor life is the only life there is. Roaming pastures full of abundant grass meet beef cattle every spring and lasts throughout the summer. During winter months, especially in northern climates, cattle are housed in pastures, but fed hay and silage to maintain their health and body condition. Cows and calves are rarely put into dry lots, up until calves are weaned and moved into feedlot settings, where they eat a ration consisting high in protein to gain weight until harvesting time

Have any questions about the housing facilities used within the livestock industry? Feel free to comment below!