Livestock Housing and Facilities: Animal Welfare, Productivity, and Sustainability

Livestock housing and facilities are critical components of animal agriculture, providing the physical and social environment for the rearing, feeding, and management of farm animals. The design, construction, and maintenance of livestock housing and facilities have significant impacts on the welfare, health, and productivity of the animals, as well as the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of the farming operation.

Livestock housing and facilities have evolved, in response to the changing needs and expectations of the animals, farmers, and society, and the advancements in the science, technology, and policy of animal agriculture. Today, there is a growing recognition of the importance of designing livestock housing and facilities that prioritize animal welfare, while also optimizing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

Principles of Livestock Housing and Facility Design

The design of livestock housing and facilities should be based on the fundamental principles of animal welfare, which ensure that the animals are provided with a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment that meets their physical, behavioral, and social needs. The key principles of livestock housing and facility design include:

Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is the state of an animal about its ability to cope with its environment and is determined by the animal's health, behavior, and emotional state.

The design of livestock housing and facilities should prioritize animal welfare, by providing the animals with:

Freedom from hunger and thirst, by ensuring access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
Freedom from discomfort, by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
Freedom from pain, injury, or disease, by ensuring prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Freedom to express normal behavior, by providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal's kind.
Freedom from fear and distress, by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

These five freedoms, developed by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council, provide a framework for assessing and improving animal welfare in livestock housing and facilities and are widely recognized and adopted by animal welfare organizations, industry associations, and government agencies.

Environmental Control

Environmental control is the regulation of the physical and chemical conditions of the livestock housing and facilities, to provide a safe, comfortable, and productive environment for the animals.

The key environmental factors that need to be controlled in livestock housing and facilities include:

Temperature: The temperature of the livestock housing and facilities should be maintained within the thermoneutral zone of the animals, which is the range of temperatures where the animals can maintain their body temperature without expending additional energy. The optimal temperature range varies by animal species, age, and production stage, and can be achieved through proper insulation, ventilation, heating, or cooling systems.
Humidity: The humidity of the livestock housing and facilities should be maintained at a level that prevents the buildup of moisture, condensation, and mold, while also avoiding excessive dryness that can cause respiratory irritation and dehydration. The optimal humidity range varies by animal species and environmental conditions and can be achieved through proper ventilation, dehumidification, or moisture control systems.
Air quality: The air quality of the livestock housing and facilities should be maintained at a level that prevents the accumulation of harmful gases, dust, and odors, while also providing sufficient oxygen and fresh air for the animals. The key air quality parameters include ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and particulate matter, which can be controlled through proper ventilation, filtration, or air treatment systems.
Lighting: The lighting of the livestock housing and facilities should be provided at a level and duration that supports the normal behavior, physiology, and production of the animals, while also allowing for proper inspection, handling, and management by the caretakers. The optimal lighting requirements vary by animal species, age, and production stage, and can be achieved through natural or artificial lighting systems, with appropriate intensity, spectrum, and photoperiod.

Space and Social Requirements

The space and social requirements of livestock housing and facilities should be based on the natural behavior and social structure of the animals, and provide sufficient space, resources, and companionship for the animals to express their normal behavior and avoid competition, aggression, or stress.

The key space and social requirements for livestock housing and facilities include:

Stocking density: The stocking density of the livestock housing and facilities should be based on the space allowance per animal, which varies by animal species, age, and production stage, and should provide sufficient space for the animals to move, rest, feed, and interact, without overcrowding or competition for resources.
Group size and composition: The group size and composition of the livestock housing and facilities should be based on the natural social structure and behavior of the animals, and provide appropriate social interaction and companionship, while avoiding the mixing of unfamiliar animals, or separation of bonded animals.
Enrichment and complexity: The livestock housing and facilities should provide a stimulating and complex environment that allows the animals to express their natural behavior and explore their surroundings, through the provision of suitable enrichment materials, such as bedding, toys, or foraging substrates, and the design of complex and varied spaces, such as multilevel platforms, partitions, or outdoor areas.

Biosecurity and Health Management

Biosecurity and health management are critical aspects of livestock housing and facility design, which aim to prevent the introduction, transmission, and spread of diseases and pathogens among the animals, and ensure the health, welfare, and productivity of the herd or flock.

The key biosecurity and health management considerations for livestock housing and facilities include:

Facility layout and zoning: The layout and zoning of the livestock housing and facilities should be designed to minimize the risk of disease transmission and contamination, by separating the different production stages, animal groups, and traffic flows, and providing appropriate barriers, buffers, and isolation areas.
Cleaning and disinfection: The livestock housing and facilities should be designed to facilitate the regular and effective cleaning and disinfection of the surfaces, equipment, and materials, to remove dirt, debris, and pathogens, and maintain a hygienic and sanitary environment for the animals and the caretakers.
Ventilation and air filtration: The livestock housing and facilities should be equipped with appropriate ventilation and air filtration systems, to control the air quality and reduce the risk of airborne disease transmission, by providing fresh air, removing harmful gases and particulates, and preventing the entry of external pathogens and vectors.
Animal health monitoring and care: The livestock housing and facilities should be designed to facilitate the regular and effective monitoring and care of the animal health and welfare, by providing appropriate handling, restraint, and treatment areas, and allowing for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries.

Types of Livestock Housing and Facilities

Livestock housing and facilities can be classified into different types, based on the animal species, production system, management practices, and the environmental, economic, and social context of the farm. Some of the common types of livestock housing and facilities include:

Cattle Housing

Cattle housing and facilities are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and productive environment for the rearing, feeding, and management of dairy and beef cattle, and vary by the production stage, herd size, and management system.

Some of the common types of cattle housing and facilities include:

Tie-stall barns: Tie-stall barns are a type of dairy cattle housing, where the cows are confined in individual stalls, and restrained by a neck chain or strap, and are typically used in small-scale, traditional, or pasture-based dairy farms.
Free-stall barns: Free-stall barns are a type of dairy cattle housing, where the cows are housed in a group pen, with individual lying areas, and are free to move, feed, and interact, and are typically used in large-scale, intensive, or confinement dairy farms.
Loose housing: Loose housing is a type of dairy or beef cattle housing, where the cattle are housed in a group pen, with a bedded pack or deep litter, and are free to move, feed, and interact, and are typically used in organic, extensive, or pasture-based farms.
Feedlots: Feedlots are a type of beef cattle housing, where the cattle are confined in a large pen, with a high density, and are fed a high-energy diet, for rapid growth and finishing, and are typically used in large-scale, intensive, or industrial beef production.

Swine Housing

Swine housing and facilities are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and productive environment for the rearing, feeding, and management of pigs, and vary by the production stage, herd size, and management system.

Some of the common types of swine housing and facilities include:

Farrowing crates: Farrowing crates are a type of swine housing, where the sows are confined in individual crates, during the farrowing and lactation period, to prevent piglet crushing and facilitate feeding and management, and are typically used in intensive, indoor, or confinement swine farms.
Gestation stalls: Gestation stalls are a type of swine housing, where the pregnant sows are confined in individual stalls, during the gestation period, to control feed intake and prevent aggression, and are typically used in intensive, indoor, or confinement swine farms.
Group housing: Group housing is a type of swine housing, where the pigs are housed in a group pen, with a bedded or slatted floor, and are free to move, feed, and interact, and are typically used in extensive, outdoor, or deep-litter swine farms.
Hoop structures: Hoop structures are a type of swine housing, where the pigs are housed in a large, semi-circular, or arch-shaped structure, with a bedded pack or deep litter, and have access to an outdoor area, and are typically used in alternative, niche, or pasture-based swine farms.

Poultry Housing

Poultry housing and facilities are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and productive environment for the rearing, feeding, and management of chickens, turkeys, and other poultry species, and vary by the production stage, flock size, and management system.

Some of the common types of poultry housing and facilities include:

Conventional cages: Conventional cages are a type of poultry housing, where the birds are confined in small, wire cages, with a high density, and limited space and resources, and are typically used in large-scale, intensive, or industrial egg production.
Enriched cages: Enriched cages are a type of poultry housing, where the birds are confined in larger, modified cages, with additional space, perches, nests, and litter, and are intended to improve the welfare and behavior of the birds, and are typically used in alternative, welfare-oriented, or specialty egg production.
Cage-free housing: Cage-free housing is a type of poultry housing, where the birds are housed in a large, open barn, with litter, perches, nests, and other resources, and are free to move, feed, and interact, and are typically used in extensive, organic, or pasture-based egg production.
Broiler housing: Broiler housing is a type of poultry housing, where the meat chickens are housed in a large, climate-controlled barn, with a high density, and rapid growth and turnover, and are typically used in large-scale, intensive, or industrial broiler production.

Sheep and Goat Housing

Sheep and goat housing and facilities are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and productive environment for the rearing, feeding, and management of small ruminants, and vary by the production stage, herd size, and management system.

Some of the common types of sheep and goat housing and facilities include:

Barns: Barns are a type of sheep and goat housing, where the animals are housed in a covered, enclosed structure, with bedding, feeding, and handling areas, and are typically used in cold, wet, or intensive production systems.
Sheds: Sheds are a type of sheep and goat housing, where the animals are housed in a partially enclosed, roofed structure, with open sides, and are typically used in mild, dry, or extensive production systems.
Pasture shelters: Pasture shelters are a type of sheep and goat housing, where the animals are provided with a simple, portable, or temporary structure, for shade, wind protection, or lambing, and are typically used in pasture-based, rotational, or nomadic production systems.

Environmental Control Systems

Environmental control systems are the equipment and technologies used to regulate the temperature, humidity, air quality, and lighting of the livestock housing and facilities, to provide an optimal and consistent environment for the health, welfare, and productivity of the animals. The key environmental control systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Ventilation Systems

Ventilation systems are used to exchange the air between the inside and outside of the livestock housing and facilities, to remove heat, moisture, gases, and odors, and to provide fresh air for the animals and the workers.

The main types of ventilation systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Natural ventilation: Natural ventilation relies on the wind and thermal buoyancy to move the air through the openings, such as windows, doors, or vents, and is typically used in small-scale, low-density, or open-sided housing and facilities.
Mechanical ventilation: Mechanical ventilation uses fans, ducts, and inlets to force the air into or out of the housing and facilities, and can be further classified into positive pressure, negative pressure, or neutral pressure systems, depending on the direction and balance of the airflow.
Hybrid ventilation: Hybrid ventilation combines the natural and mechanical ventilation systems, using the wind and thermal buoyancy when possible, and the fans and ducts when necessary, to optimize the air exchange rate and distribution, and reduce the energy and maintenance costs.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling systems are used to maintain the temperature of the livestock housing and facilities within the optimal range for the animals and to prevent the heat or cold stress that can affect the health, welfare, and productivity of the animals.

The main types of heating and cooling systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Space heating: Space heating systems use furnaces, boilers, or heat pumps to warm the air or surfaces of the housing and facilities, and distribute the heat through convection, radiation, or conduction, and are typically used in cold climates or seasons.
Radiant heating: Radiant heating systems use electric or gas-fired heaters to emit infrared radiation, which is absorbed by the animals and the surfaces, provides localized and targeted heating, and is typically used in farrowing, brooding, or creep areas.
Evaporative cooling: Evaporative cooling systems use water evaporation to cool and humidify the air, by passing the air through a wet pad or mist, or spraying the water onto the animals or the surfaces, and are typically used in hot and dry climates or seasons.
Geothermal cooling: Geothermal cooling systems use the stable temperature of the ground or groundwater to cool the air or surfaces of the housing and facilities, by circulating the air or water through underground pipes or wells, and are typically used in large-scale, intensive, or high-value livestock operations.

Lighting Systems

Lighting systems are used to provide the necessary light for the vision, behavior, and physiology of the animals, and for the inspection, handling, and management of the housing and facilities.

The main types of lighting systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Natural lighting: Natural lighting relies on the sunlight entering through the windows, skylights, or open sides of the housing and facilities, and is typically used in small-scale, low-density, or pasture-based operations.
Artificial lighting: Artificial lighting uses electric lamps, such as incandescent, fluorescent, or LED, to provide the necessary light intensity, duration, and spectrum for the animals, and can be controlled by timers, sensors, or dimmers, to mimic the natural photoperiod or manipulate the production cycles.
Photoperiod manipulation: Photoperiod manipulation uses artificial lighting to control the day length and the melatonin secretion of the animals, and can be used to stimulate the growth, reproduction, or molt of the animals, and to optimize the production efficiency and quality.

Feed and Water Systems

Feed and water systems are the equipment and technologies used to provide the animals with the necessary nutrients and hydration and to ensure the quality, quantity, and accessibility of the feed and water. The key feed and water systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Feed Storage and Handling

Feed storage and handling systems are used to store, process, and distribute the feed to the animals, and to ensure the safety, quality, and efficiency of the feed supply.

The main types of feed storage and handling systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Bulk storage: Bulk storage systems use silos, bins, or tanks to store the feed ingredients or mixed feed, and can be made of metal, concrete, or plastic, and can be equipped with augers, conveyors, or pneumatic systems for loading and unloading.
Feed processing: Feed processing systems use grinders, mixers, or pellet mills to reduce the particle size, blend the ingredients, or form the pellets or crumbles, and can be stationary or mobile, and can be powered by electricity, fuel, or tractor.
Feed delivery: Feed delivery systems use augers, conveyors, or carts to distribute the feed to the feeders or troughs, and can be automated or manual, and can be controlled by timers, sensors, or computers, to optimize the feed intake and minimize the waste.

Feeding Systems

Feeding systems are used to provide the animals with feed in a way that meets their nutritional, behavioral, and health needs, and to optimize the feed efficiency and minimize the feed waste.

The main types of feeding systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Manger feeding: Manger feeding systems use a trough or bunk to provide the feed to the animals, and can be made of concrete, metal, or plastic, can be fixed or movable, and can be filled manually or automatically.
Feeder feeding: Feeder feeding systems use individual or group feeders to provide the feed to the animals, and can be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic, and can be gravity-fed, mechanically fed, or electronically fed, and can be controlled by the animal's weight, age, or production stage.
Pasture feeding: Pasture feeding systems use the natural or cultivated vegetation to provide the feed to the animals, and can be continuous or rotational, and can be supplemented with hay, silage, or concentrate, depending on the animal's requirements and the pasture's quality and availability.

Watering Systems

Watering systems are used to provide the animals with clean, fresh, and accessible water, and to ensure the proper hydration and health of the animals.

The main types of watering systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Trough watering: Trough watering systems use a container or basin to provide the water to the animals, and can be made of concrete, metal, or plastic, can be fixed or movable, and can be filled manually or automatically, and can be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Nipple watering: Nipple watering systems use a valve or nozzle to provide the water to the animals, can be made of metal or plastic, can be installed at the appropriate height and angle for the animals, and can be activated by the animal's mouth or nose, and can prevent the water contamination and waste.
Fountain watering: Fountain watering systems use a bowl or cup to provide the water to the animals, and can be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic, can be gravity-fed or pressure-fed, and can be self-cleaning or manually-cleaned, and can provide the water on demand or continuously.

Waste Management Systems

Waste management systems are the equipment and technologies used to collect, store, treat, and dispose of the manure, litter, and other wastes generated by the livestock housing and facilities, and to ensure the hygiene, safety, and sustainability of the waste handling and utilization.

The key waste management systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Manure Collection and Storage

Manure collection and storage systems are used to remove the manure from the animal housing and facilities and to store it until it can be treated, utilized, or disposed of.

The main types of manure collection and storage systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Solid manure systems: Solid manure systems use bedding materials, such as straw, sawdust, or sand, to absorb the urine and feces, and create solid manure that can be removed by scraping, scooping, or mechanical spreading, and can be stored in piles, stacks, or bunkers, and can be composted or land-applied.
Liquid manure systems: Liquid manure systems use slatted floors, gutters, or flushing systems to collect the urine and feces, and create liquid manure that can be removed by gravity, pumping, or vacuum, and can be stored in tanks, lagoons, or pits, and can be treated or land-applied.
Slurry manure systems: Slurry manure systems use a combination of solid and liquid manure, with a dry matter content of 5-15%, and can be collected and stored in tanks, pits, or bags, and can be agitated, pumped, or injected, and can be treated or land-applied.

Manure Treatment and Utilization

Manure treatment and utilization systems are used to process the manure to reduce the volume, odor, and pathogens, and to recover the nutrients, energy, or other valuable products from the manure.

The main types of manure treatment and utilization systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Composting: Composting is a biological process that uses aerobic microorganisms to decompose the organic matter and stabilize the manure, and can be done in piles, bins, or vessels, and can produce a nutrient-rich and pathogen-free soil amendment.
Anaerobic digestion: Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that uses anaerobic microorganisms to break down the organic matter and produce biogas, which is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, and can be used for heat, power, or fuel, and can also produce a nutrient-rich effluent and digestate.
Nutrient recovery: Nutrient recovery is a physical, chemical, or biological process that extracts nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, from the manure, can produce a concentrated and transportable fertilizer product, and can reduce nutrient losses and pollution.

Manure Application and Disposal

Manure application and disposal systems are used to utilize the manure as a soil amendment or fertilizer or to dispose of it in an environmentally sound and socially acceptable manner.

The main types of manure application and disposal systems for livestock housing and facilities include:

Land application: Land application is the spreading of the manure on the cropland, pasture, or forestland, as a source of nutrients and organic matter for the soil and plants, and can be done by surface spreading, incorporation, or injection, and can be based on the crop requirements, soil tests, and weather conditions.
Incineration: Incineration is the burning of the manure at high temperatures, to reduce the volume and destroy the pathogens and odors, and can produce heat or power, and can also generate ash that can be used as a soil amendment or disposed of in a landfill.
Landfilling: Landfilling is the burial of the manure in a designated and engineered site, where it can decompose anaerobically and generate methane, which can be captured and used for energy and can also leach nutrients and contaminants, which can be collected and treated.

Biosecurity Measures

Biosecurity measures are the practices and protocols used to prevent the introduction, transmission, and spread of diseases and pathogens in livestock housing and facilities, and to ensure the health, welfare, and productivity of the animals and the workers. The key biosecurity measures for livestock housing and facilities include:

Facility Design and Layout

The design and layout of the livestock housing and facilities can have a significant impact on biosecurity, by controlling the movement of the animals, people, vehicles, and materials, and by separating the clean and dirty areas and activities.

Some of the key facility design and layout features for biosecurity include:

Perimeter fencing: Perimeter fencing is used to define the boundary of the facility and to prevent the entry of unauthorized people, vehicles, and animals, and can be made of metal, wire, or wood, and can be equipped with gates, locks, and signs.
Isolation areas: Isolation areas are used to separate the sick, quarantined, or new animals from the main herd or flock, and to prevent direct or indirect contact between them, and can be located at the entrance or the periphery of the facility, and can have separate ventilation, feeding, and waste handling systems.
Traffic control: Traffic control is used to manage the flow of people, vehicles, and materials in and out of the facility, and to minimize the cross-contamination between the different areas and activities, and can include the use of designated entry and exit points, parking areas, and paths, and the use of footbaths, vehicle washes, and disinfectants.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Cleaning and disinfection are the processes of removing and destroying the dirt, debris, and pathogens from the surfaces, equipment, and materials in the livestock housing and facilities, and are essential for maintaining the hygiene, health, and biosecurity of the animals and the workers.

Some of the key cleaning and disinfection practices for biosecurity include:

Dry cleaning: Dry cleaning is the removal of the loose dirt, dust, and debris from the surfaces, using brushes, scrapers, or vacuum cleaners, and is done before the wet cleaning and disinfection, to avoid the formation of mud or slurry.
Wet cleaning: Wet cleaning is the removal of the adherent dirt, organic matter, and biofilms from the surfaces, using water, detergents, and mechanical action, such as scrubbing, pressure washing, or foaming, and is done after the dry cleaning and before the disinfection, to ensure the effectiveness of the disinfectants.
Disinfection: Disinfection is the destruction of the pathogens on the surfaces, using chemical, physical, or biological agents, such as chlorine, iodine, quaternary ammonium compounds, heat, ultraviolet light, or enzymes, and is done after the wet cleaning and before the drying and reuse of the surfaces and equipment.

Personnel and Visitor Management

Personnel and visitor management are the practices of controlling the access, movement, and behavior of the people who enter the livestock housing and facilities, and ensuring their compliance with the biosecurity protocols and guidelines.

Some of the key personnel and visitor management practices for biosecurity include:

Training and education: Training and education are used to inform and motivate the personnel and visitors about the importance, principles, and practices of biosecurity, and to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to follow the biosecurity protocols and guidelines, and to report any breaches or concerns.
Personal protective equipment: Personal protective equipment, such as boots, coveralls, gloves, masks, and goggles, are used to prevent the contamination of the personnel and visitors with the pathogens, and to avoid the transmission of the pathogens between the different areas and animals, and are provided and maintained by the facility, and are used and disposed of according to the biosecurity protocols.
Visitor log and agreement: Visitor log and agreement are used to record the name, contact, purpose, and duration of the visitors, to obtain their consent and commitment to follow the biosecurity protocols and guidelines, and to report any health or exposure risks, and are kept and reviewed by the facility, and are used for contact tracing and investigation in case of a disease outbreak or biosecurity breach.

Conclusion

Livestock housing and facilities are essential components of animal agriculture, providing the physical and social environment for the rearing, feeding, and management of farm animals. The design, construction, and maintenance of livestock housing and facilities have significant impacts on the welfare, health, and productivity of the animals, as well as the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of the farming operation.

The key principles of livestock housing and facility design include animal welfare, environmental control, space and social requirements, and biosecurity and health management. These principles ensure that the animals are provided with a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment that meets their physical, behavioral, and social needs, while also optimizing the productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of the farm.

The types of livestock housing and facilities vary by the animal species, production system, and management practices, and include cattle housing, swine housing, poultry housing, and sheep and goat housing. Each type of housing has its specific requirements, advantages, and challenges, and requires appropriate environmental control, feed and water, waste management, and biosecurity systems.

The environmental control systems for livestock housing and facilities include ventilation, heating and cooling, and lighting systems, which regulate the temperature, humidity, air quality, and light intensity and duration, to provide an optimal and consistent environment for the animals and the workers.

The feed and water systems for livestock housing and facilities include feed storage and handling, feeding, and watering systems, which provide the animals with the necessary nutrients and hydration, and ensure the quality, quantity, and accessibility of the feed and water.

The waste management systems for livestock housing and facilities include manure collection and storage, treatment and utilization, and application and disposal systems, which handle the manure and other wastes generated by the animals, and ensure the hygiene, safety, and sustainability of the waste management and utilization.

The biosecurity measures for livestock housing and facilities include facility design and layout, cleaning and disinfection, and personnel and visitor management practices, which prevent the introduction, transmission, and spread of diseases and pathogens, and ensure the health, welfare, and productivity of the animals and the workers.

In conclusion, livestock housing and facilities are critical for the success and sustainability of animal agriculture and require a holistic, integrated, and evidence-based approach that considers animal welfare, environmental control, feed water, waste management, and biosecurity aspects.

The design, construction, and management of livestock housing and facilities should be based on the best available science, technology, and practices, and should involve the collaboration and participation of the farmers, researchers, Extension, and industry stakeholders.

The future of livestock housing and facilities will be shaped by the changing needs, preferences, and expectations of the animals, farmers, consumers, and society, and by the emerging challenges and opportunities, such as climate change, resource scarcity, animal welfare, food safety, and sustainability.

The livestock housing and facilities of the future will need to be more efficient, resilient, and sustainable, and will require the adoption of innovative and adaptive technologies, practices, and policies that can ensure the health, welfare, and productivity of the animals, the profitability and competitiveness of the farmers, and the trust and support of the consumers and the public.