Concentrated animal feeding operations

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are a type of agricultural operation where animals are kept and raised in confined situations. CAFOs congregate animals, feed, manure and urine, dead animals, and production operations on a small land area. Feed is brought to the animals rather than the animals grazing or otherwise seeking feed in pastures, fields, or on rangeland.

Overview

A CAFO is a specific type of Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) that is defined by the number and type of animals it houses. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a regulatory definition for CAFOs, which is based on the number of animals, the confinement period, and the manner in which manure and wastewater are managed.

Environmental Impact

CAFOs can have significant environmental impact. The large concentration of animals produces a significant amount of waste, which can contaminate local water supplies if not properly managed. This can lead to eutrophication of nearby bodies of water, leading to algal blooms and dead zones. In addition, CAFOs can contribute to air pollution, as they release significant amounts of ammonia, methane, and other harmful gases into the atmosphere.

Health Impact

The health impact of CAFOs is a topic of ongoing research. There is evidence to suggest that living near a CAFO can have negative effects on respiratory health, due to the high levels of particulate matter and gases in the air. In addition, the use of antibiotics in CAFOs has been linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can pose a significant public health risk.

Regulation

In the United States, CAFOs are regulated under the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act. The EPA has established National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for CAFOs, which set standards for manure management and wastewater discharge. In addition, some states have established their own regulations for CAFOs.

See Also

• Factory farming
• Industrial agriculture
• Environmental impact of meat production