Question 1

Which of the following is a benefit of intense mechanized feedlot farming relative to traditional open-pasture farms?

Accepted Answer

Intense mechanized feedlot farming has the benefits of being able to easily harvest manure, which can then be sold as fertilizer. Additionally, this type of farming minimizes the amount of land required, making it more space-efficient. However, animals in this type of farming typically do not receive a highly diverse food supply, as they are often fed a specific diet designed to fatten them up quickly. Therefore, choice E is the best answer as it accurately reflects the benefits of intense mechanized feedlot farming.

Question 2

What do proponents claim as benefits to meat from free-range, grass-fed animals?

Accepted Answer

Proponents claim that meat from free-range, grass-fed animals has both an increased level of omega-3 fatty acids and less saturated fat compared to meat from feedlot animals, making it a healthier choice.

Question 3

If you pick up a package at the grocery store and it says "grass-fed beef," what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

Grass-fed beef means that the cows were allowed to graze on pasture lands and eat grass. This is different from cows raised in confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) who are fed mostly grain. The term does not necessarily indicate if the cows were given antibiotics or if they have adapted to digest grass.

Question 4

The 2020 national health objective for E. coli strain O157:H7 is no more than 0.6 cases per _____________ people.

Accepted Answer

The 2020 national health objective for E. coli strain O157:H7 is no more than 0.6 cases per 100,000 people. Therefore, the best choice is D.

Question 5

Describe why antibiotic resistance is likely to emerge as a result of raising livestock in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) where antibiotics are included in feed.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe why antibiotic resistance is likely to...

Question 6

Do sustainable animal rearing methods address the disadvantages of CAFOs?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do sustainable animal rearing methods address the...

Question 7

On a(n) _________ farm, chickens follow cows onto a pasture to consume fly larvae on manure, so the flies do not hatch and bother the cows.

Accepted Answer

The described farming practice involves the use of multiple species on the farm to control pests and improve soil health, which is a characteristic of polyculture. Monoculture refers to the cultivation of a single crop species, while feed-lots, industrial farms, and CAFOs are all types of intensive animal production systems that do not usually incorporate such a practice.

Question 8

Grass-fed animals can be brought to market much more quickly than CAFO animals.

Accepted Answer

Grass-fed animals typically take longer to reach market weight because they are not given growth hormones or fed an unnatural diet designed to fatten them quickly. CAFO animals are often brought to market much more quickly due to these practices.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of grass-fed beef?

Accepted Answer

Grass-fed beef actually takes longer to reach slaughter weight than feedlot beef, so they do not gain weight as quickly.

Question 10

What are some advantages and disadvantages to feeding cattle grains instead of grass?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are some advantages and disadvantages to...

Question 11

How much of the corn produced in the United States is used as animal feed?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 75% of the corn produced in the United States is used as animal feed. This is because corn is a major component in the diets of livestock including cattle, pigs, and poultry. In addition, corn is a relatively inexpensive source of energy and nutrients compared to other feed options.

Question 12

Do you think sustainable animal rearing methods can supply enough meat and other animal products to meet the current levels of demand for such items in the United States? Based on your answer, do you think this is a bad thing?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you think sustainable animal rearing methods...

Question 13

What is a result from raising animals in CAFOs?

Accepted Answer

Raising animals in CAFOs results in all of the listed consequences. These facilities typically have high concentrations of animals, leading to large amounts of waste and emissions that can pollute the air and nearby water systems. Additionally, they often rely heavily on antibiotics to prevent the spread of disease, leading to antibiotic resistance. The industrial nature of these operations often destroys natural habitats and reduces biodiversity.

Question 14

What is a polyculture farm?

Accepted Answer

A polyculture farm is a farm that combines different species of crops and/or animals for mutual benefits such as pest control, nutrient cycling, and enhanced biodiversity. Therefore, all of the given options are characteristics of a polyculture farm.

Question 15

Sustainable animal rearing methods can produce the same amount of meat and animal products that are currently produced by CAFOs.

Accepted Answer

Sustainable animal rearing methods typically focus on environmental and animal welfare, which can result in lower production levels compared to the high-output, intensive methods used in CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations).

Question 16

The water footprint to produce a pound of pork is:

Accepted Answer

According to research by the Water Footprint Network, it takes approximately 23 gallons of water to produce a pound of pork.

Question 17

How would raising grass-fed animals ultimately affect ecological problems such as erosion and pollution from fertilizers and pesticides?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How would raising grass-fed animals ultimately affect...

Question 18

List and describe several ethical issues involved with raising animals in CAFOs.

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

List several reasons beef-industry representatives would argue for industrial-scale production of beef in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), and then list several objections raised by critics of this industrial model.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List several reasons beef-industry representatives would argue...

Question 20

Why are grass-fed animals considered to represent a net gain for the human food supply?

Accepted Answer

Grass-fed animals consume grass, which humans cannot digest, on land unsuitable for crops, thus converting inedible resources into food for humans.

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