article_snippet: This is where animals including chicken and cattle are fed a predominately grain-based diet.
article_snippet: The feedlot industry, which is an extensive outdoor feed environment where animals are sent to be fattened before slaughter, has grown drastically in the last 10 years due to demand.
article_snippet: There are about 700 accredited feedlots in the country with large ones holding up to 40,000 cattle at a time.
article_snippet: While the RSPCA doesn't oppose feedlots, the organisation has raised concerns and listed conditions that must be met to ensure good animal welfare.
article_snippet: Grain fed animals can have a damaging effect on the environment, according to Sustainable Table, because it is resource intensive as grain has to be grown and often transported to where the animal is being housed .
article_snippet: Sustainable Table says the process of grain feeding can be damaging. '
article_snippet: Grain feeding is resource intensive and can be environmentally destructive, as grain has to be grown and often transported to where the animal is being housed,' Ms Duncan said. '
article_snippet: Grain production is also being diverted to animals as opposed to being grown primarily for human consumption. '
article_snippet: Grain production is estimated that the world's cattle consume enough food to feed 8.7 billion people, which is more than the entire human population.'