There are many different types of animal agriculture systems. They are all influenced by the type of animal, as well as factors like location, climate, and available resources. Farmers and agricultural businesses then decide which system best fits their needs and circumstances.
There are three major types of animal agriculture systems:
Extensive Systems
Extensive farming is the most free-range of the agricultural systems. Animals roam and forage over large areas of land with minimal input needed from farmers or herders, such as feed, housing, or labor. This method also promotes biodiversity by keeping animals a part of the surrounding ecosystem.
Extensive farming practice can vary widely, from ranches in the American West to pastoralism practiced by nomadic herders who move with their livestock. It is the most holistic approach, relying more on the whims of nature rather than a controlled environment, and more closely mirroring what these animals would experience in the wild. While extensive systems require fewer resources, they also produce lower yields. Farmers get less product from each animal and are affected more by environmental changes like harsh weather.
Intensive Systems
Intensive farming is the opposite of extensive farming. Instead of being free-range, animals are raised in confined spaces, mostly indoors, to maximize control factors and productivity. Also known as factory farming, this system eliminates many uncontrollable variables found in extensive farming like weather and food variability. Animals are closely monitored and given specialized diets and medications to increase their ability to produce goods such as eggs, meat, or milk.
Intensive systems are the most common type of system in America, as their high output rate of goods meets consumers' high demand for animal products. Although intensive systems require more labor and resources, they produce much higher yields. However, many people raise concerns about the welfare of the animals as well as environmental pollution caused by intensive systems.
Semi-Intensive Systems
Semi-intensive systems combine aspects of intensive and extensive systems to maximize the goods being produced while improving animal welfare. Animals are housed at night or during inclement weather, but are also allowed to graze outside, usually in some kind of enclosure.
They are given feed but also allowed to graze on their own. This maximizes the usefulness of the animal while also lessening the pressure on animal feed crops. Animals being allowed outside, moving and grazing, can also lower disease rates in herds and raise the quality of animal products. Semi-intensive systems are also more adaptable to the needs of certain animals.
Animal Systems of the Future
These systems are integral to modern agriculture and affect everything from the burger on your plate to the weather forecast. Researchers and professionals in animal science continue to refine these systems, seeking sustainable solutions that benefit both animals and humans.
Citations
https://www.fao.org/4/am218e/am218e.pdf
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/agriculture-and-agribusiness/extensive-farming
https://www.britannica.com/technology/factory-farming
https://ourworldindata.org/how-many-animals-are-factory-farmed
https://straydoginstitute.org/what-is-livestock-farming-and-what-types-of-livestock-farming-are-bad/#:~:text=In%20semi%2Dintensive%20livestock%20farming,heritage%20pig%20breeds.%5B7%5D
https://www.pastureforlife.org/media/2019/02/The-animal-welfare-and-environmental-benefits-of-Pasture-for-Life-farming-FINAL-at-10-Aug-2018.pdf