factory farming
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factory farming
The industrial keeping of a very large number of farm animals in a confined space in order to produce food such as meat, eggs, or milk as efficiently as possible.
Tierschutzorganisationen kritisieren die Bedingungen in der Massentierhaltung scharf.
Animal welfare organizations sharply criticize the conditions in factory farming.
The word is a clear example of a German compound word: 'Massen' (from 'die Masse' — mass), 'Tier' (animal), and 'Haltung' (keeping/husbandry). So it literally describes the 'keeping of animals in masses'.
Der Begriff Massentierhaltung beschreibt eine industrielle Form der Landwirtschaft.
The term factory farming describes an industrial form of agriculture.
This word almost always has a negative connotation. It is mainly used by critics to point to problems such as poor animal welfare, environmental pollution, and the use of medication.
Die Debatte über ein Verbot der Massentierhaltung ist sehr emotional.
The debate about a ban on factory farming is very emotional.
Common expressions emphasize the critical context: 'Kritik an der Massentierhaltung' (criticism of factory farming), 'gegen Massentierhaltung protestieren' (to protest against factory farming), or 'die Folgen der Massentierhaltung' (the consequences of factory farming).
Viele Menschen protestieren gegen die Massentierhaltung.
Many people protest against factory farming.
animal husbandry
'die Tierhaltung' and 'die Massentierhaltung' both have to do with keeping and caring for animals. 'Tierhaltung' is the general term. It can refer to pets, livestock, small farms, or private animal keeping. 'Massentierhaltung' is much more specific: it is about very large numbers of farm animals kept in confined spaces and industrial food production. The words can be confused because 'Massentierhaltung' is a form of 'Tierhaltung'. But not all 'Tierhaltung' is 'Massentierhaltung'. If you are speaking neutrally and generally, 'Tierhaltung' fits. If you are talking about large industrial operations, 'Massentierhaltung' is more precise.
Im Unterricht diskutierte die Klasse über die Folgen der Massentierhaltung.
In class, the students discussed the consequences of factory farming.
Auf dem Bauernhof lernen die Kinder viel über Tierhaltung und Fütterung.
On the farm, the children learn a lot about animal husbandry and feeding.