Animal stress in factory farming

Overcrowding of housed farm animals
Inadequate lighting in factory farming units

Nature

Due to the closely confined conditions of factory farming units, some animals die of stress from overcrowding. Productivity under stress tends to be less. Cannibalism increases in overcrowded conditions, particularly with hens.

Background

Animal stress in factory farming emerged as a global concern in the 1960s, notably following Ruth Harrison’s "Animal Machines" (1964), which exposed the psychological and physical suffering of intensively farmed animals. Subsequent scientific studies and international reports, such as those by the European Food Safety Authority, have documented widespread stress-related behaviors and health issues, prompting ongoing debates and policy reviews on animal welfare standards in industrial agriculture worldwide.

Incidence

According to behaviour studies, the optimum space allowance per hen is 750 sq cm. This is often not reached: average allowance in practice is 450 - 550 sq cm. Hens are often crowded together 4 or 5 to a cage, though 3 hens kept in a 4-hen cage produced 35 extra eggs each per laying season. A pronounced drop in efficiency has been noted among pigs kept under extreme conditions of intensive farming. Debeaking and dim lighting are used to check cannibalism among chickens in overcrowded pens, but not always with success.

Claim

Animal stress in factory farming is a deeply troubling and urgent issue. The relentless confinement, overcrowding, and lack of natural behaviors inflict immense suffering on sentient beings. Ignoring this problem is both unethical and irresponsible. We must recognize that the well-being of animals matters, and the current system is failing them. Addressing animal stress in factory farming is not just important—it is a moral imperative that demands immediate action and reform.

Counter-claim

Concerns about animal stress in factory farming are vastly overstated. Modern farming methods prioritize efficiency and productivity, which naturally require animals to be healthy and well-cared for. The focus on animal stress distracts from more pressing global issues like food security and human welfare. Resources spent on this topic could be better used elsewhere. In reality, animal stress in factory farming is not a significant problem and does not warrant the attention it receives.