4.7.5.2 Farming Techniques

Question 1

What do farmers aim to do?

Answer 1

aim to increase the amount of energy (from food) that is converted to biomass in livestock as this is more efficient

Question 2

How can the efficiency of food production be improved?

Answer 2

• the efficiency of food production can be improved by restricting energy transfer from food animals to the environment
• this can be done by limiting their movement so they use less energy- e.g. raising them in small cages
• by controlling the temperature of their surroundings - e.g. high temperatures, so less energy is wasted on controlling body temperature

Question 3

What are some animals fed to increase growth?

Answer 3

some animals are fed high protein foods to increase growth

Question 4

What are the ethical objections of these farming techniques?

Answer 4

• as lots of animals are kept in a small place - causes distresses
• increases risk of spread of infection
• it is carried out to increase profit and efficiency but the standard of living is very low for the animals