The space provided to farm animals significantly affects their ability to perform natural behaviours, reduces competition and prevents injury and disease.
Space allowance is one of the most fundamental determinants of welfare in intensive livestock systems. Insufficient space prevents normal locomotion, forces contact with conspecifics and increases competition for food, water and resting space. Animals chronically unable to perform motivated behaviours develop stereotypies and show increased cortisol. The economic case for adequate space is strengthened by reduced disease, medication costs and improved growth rates, but welfare motivation provides the moral foundation for minimum standards.