Livestock Pens
Livestock pens are essential when it comes to raising livestock. According to reports, Mexican cattle breeders rely on the United States market. However, due to moving violations, temporary pens were established on the U.S. side in Pharr, Laredo, and Eagle Pass. The initiative proved functional in enhancing the U.S/Mexico trade.
The United States has progressively grown its production as well as its consumption of meat over time. Over 30 million tonnes of yearly meat production increased by 184% have been produced between 1961 and 2018.
Global consumption of livestock products
What is a livestock farm
Basically, raising ruminants both monogastric and complex gastric ruminants represents the primary objective of a livestock farm. About 70% of the protein sources in the world come from livestock. High-nutrient sources of nutrients include beef, hog, mutton, and others.
Why is livestock farming bad for the environment?
In the United States, Asia, and Oceania, livestock husbandry provides a higher percentage of soil erosion. Deforestation is a result of the desire for more land to build ranches for cattle. Also, overgrazing has been observed to expose the land surface in certain states, resulting in the loss of the top soils.
How much carbon emissions come from animals? Approximately 18 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from livestock production worldwide, mostly in the form of nitrous oxide and methane. 6.2 Gt of CO2 equivalents are produced by enteric fermentation in animals.
However, carefully placed livestock pens are used to restrict the movement of cattle, sheep, and goats to lessen the spread of their excrement everywhere. The best strategy to minimize excessive carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and thereby lessen global warming may be to provide a collection station for feces.
Types of livestock farming
Here is a list of the types of livestock farming. The confinement of ruminants to support living.
- Dairy cow
- Flatten cow
- Swine
- Horse
- Sheeps
- Goats
- Mules
- Buffalo
- Oxen
In case you missed it: Read, How to start a goat farming business
Types of livestock pens DIY
Here are simple livestock pens you can make at home for your animals. Simple projects you can use to confine and protect your farm animals.
Internal Pen for Horses
External pen for livestock
Pros and Cons of pens for farm animals
Farm animals are housed, fed, and reproduced in external fences built on fields. The advantages and disadvantages to take into account when choosing a pen for farm animals are listed below.
| Pros of external pens | Cons of internal Pens |
|---|---|
| Good air circulation helps the removal of gases from excretion. | Farm animals are exposed to threats from pests and parasites |
| External pens do not need an expensive budget to build | Livestock are exposed to harsh weather conditions |
| Needs less maintenance | Biosecurity can not be ensured when you use external pens. |
| Farm animals receive enough sunlight | Farm animals are vulnerable to thieves. |
Small-scale livestock farmers with limited resources typically employ external structures. Because internal structures are more expensive, small groups and individuals choose outdoor structures.
It is the best choice for safeguarding your investments in farm or livestock animals when it comes to internal structures. Commercial farms operating on a large scale need to choose an enclosed or internal farm structure. The benefits and drawbacks of interior farm structures for raising livestock are listed below.
| Pros of Internal farm structures for livestock | Cons of Internal farm structures for livestock |
|---|---|
| Biosecurity can be ensured when using internal structures to prevent disease transmission | Expensive to establish |
| The internal structure protects livestock from harsh weather conditions. | Needs regular maintenance to keep in functions |
| Best for controlled breeding in livestock | Requires technical support |
| Protects your investments from theft. | It can trap gas emissions when not structured well. |
