All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Which livestock species is most efficient in converting feed to meat?
Answer: Poultry. Birds convert feed to meat more efficiently than mammals.
Flashcard 2: What is the main reason for consumer demand for grass-fed beef?
Answer: Perceived health benefits and better taste. Consumers value natural diet and perceived nutritional advantages.
Flashcard 3: Which greenhouse gas is predominantly emitted by ruminant livestock?
Answer: Methane (CH4). Ruminants produce methane during digestion in their stomach chambers.
Flashcard 4: What is a primary environmental concern with pig farming?
Answer: High levels of ammonia emissions. Pig waste contains nitrogen compounds that form ammonia gas.
Flashcard 5: What is a common practice in sustainable meat production?
Answer: Integrating crop and animal farming systems. Mixed farming systems create synergies and reduce external inputs.
Flashcard 6: What is a significant water pollutant from meat production?
Answer: Nitrates from animal waste. Animal manure contains nitrogen that leaches into groundwater.
Flashcard 7: What is the primary purpose of feedlots in meat production?
Answer: To fatten animals quickly before slaughter. High-calorie grain diet maximizes weight gain in confined spaces.
Flashcard 8: Which aspect of meat production is most energy-intensive?
Answer: Feed crop cultivation. Growing corn and soy for animal feed requires significant energy inputs.
Flashcard 9: Which livestock production method emphasizes minimal input and natural cycles?
Answer: Permaculture-based animal husbandry. Mimics natural ecosystems with minimal external inputs.
Flashcard 10: What is a major advantage of pasture-raised livestock?
Answer: Improved animal welfare and reduced environmental impact. Natural grazing allows movement and reduces environmental stress.
Flashcard 11: Identify a main environmental benefit of rotational grazing.
Answer: Improved soil health and reduced erosion. Moving animals prevents overgrazing and allows pasture recovery.
Flashcard 12: What is a potential human health risk from consuming CAFO-produced meat?
Answer: Exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic overuse creates resistant pathogens transmissible to humans.
Flashcard 13: Which method of meat production is most associated with antibiotic resistance?
Answer: Use of antibiotics in CAFOs. Routine antibiotic use in confined spaces promotes resistant bacteria.
Flashcard 14: Which practice helps reduce the carbon footprint of meat production?
Answer: Local sourcing of feed and meat products. Reducing transportation distances decreases fuel consumption and emissions.
Flashcard 15: What practice in meat production can lead to eutrophication?
Answer: Nutrient runoff from animal waste. Nitrogen and phosphorus from waste cause algal blooms in waterways.
Flashcard 16: Identify a consequence of monoculture feed crop production.
Answer: Loss of biodiversity. Single-crop systems reduce habitat and species diversity.
Flashcard 17: What is the primary reason for using growth hormones in meat production?
Answer: To increase growth rate and feed efficiency. Hormones accelerate muscle development and reduce production time.
Flashcard 18: What is a common practice to reduce methane emissions from cattle?
Answer: Feed additives that reduce methane production. Chemical supplements alter rumen bacteria to reduce methane production.
Flashcard 19: What is a major criticism of meat production related to climate change?
Answer: High greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock produces significant methane and carbon dioxide emissions.
Flashcard 20: What is the primary goal of sustainable meat production?
Answer: Minimize environmental impact while maintaining productivity. Balances economic viability with environmental and social responsibility.
Flashcard 21: What does the term 'humane slaughter' refer to?
Answer: Killing animals with minimal pain and stress. Reduces animal suffering through proper stunning and handling techniques.
Flashcard 22: Identify a key characteristic of free-range meat production.
Answer: Animals have access to the outdoors. Outdoor access allows natural behaviors and movement.
Flashcard 23: Which meat production method is often linked to deforestation?
Answer: Expansion of pastureland for grazing. Clearing forests creates grazing land, especially in developing countries.
Flashcard 24: Identify a reason for the higher cost of organic meat.
Answer: More expensive feed and slower growth rates. Organic production requires premium feed and longer production cycles.
Flashcard 25: What is a significant disadvantage of grass-fed beef production?
Answer: Requires more land and time than grain-fed. Natural grazing is less efficient than concentrated feeding systems.
Flashcard 26: Which term describes raising animals in confined spaces for efficiency?
Answer: Intensive farming. Maximizes production efficiency through space and resource control.
Flashcard 27: What is a potential negative impact of global meat trade?
Answer: Increased carbon footprint from transportation. Long-distance shipping increases fossil fuel consumption and emissions.
Flashcard 28: What is a major disadvantage of intensive livestock farming?
Answer: High resource use and environmental degradation. Intensive systems consume excessive water, land, and energy resources.
Flashcard 29: Which livestock species is most efficient in converting feed to meat?
Answer: Poultry. Birds convert feed to meat more efficiently than mammals.
Flashcard 30: What is the main benefit of organic meat production?
Answer: No synthetic pesticides or growth hormones used. Organic standards prohibit synthetic chemicals and hormones.