What is a common consequence of intensive farming methods in beef production?

Intensive farming methods in beef production typically lead to higher methane emissions due to several factors inherent in these practices. When livestock are raised in concentrated operations, they often consume a diet that is designed to maximize growth and efficiency, which can increase the amount of methane produced during digestion. Ruminant animals, such as cattle, produce methane as a byproduct of digestion through a process known as enteric fermentation. The more animals that are kept in close quarters, the more the collective methane emissions contribute to greenhouse gas output.

In addition, the confinement of animals in intensive systems often leads to increased waste management issues, which can further exacerbate methane emissions if the waste is not managed properly. This is in stark contrast to more extensive farming methods, which may allow for better waste decomposition and integration into the ecosystem, ultimately resulting in lower methane emissions.

The other options relate to different environmental impacts or benefits that are not characteristic of intensive farming. Increased organic matter, for instance, is usually associated with sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, while reduced energy usage contradicts the high resource demands typical of intensive farming operations. Similarly, lower pesticide usage would not generally be a feature of such systems, as they often rely on chemicals to manage pests and diseases in a high-density