Factory farming explained

Questions this hub answers

What is factory farming?

Factory farming is the intensive confinement of animals at high density to minimise cost per unit of meat, milk or eggs — typically indoors, on slatted or barren flooring, with routine procedures such as beak trimming or tail docking and slaughter at a fraction of natural lifespan.

How many farmed animals are killed each year?

Around 80 billion land animals are slaughtered annually worldwide, plus an estimated 1–2 trillion aquatic animals — the overwhelming majority raised in intensive systems.

Do welfare labels mean animals were treated well?

Rarely as consumers assume. Most on-pack claims are unaudited marketing terms; only a handful of certification schemes set enforceable space, enrichment and slaughter requirements.