What is an ethical issue associated with animal agriculture?

The ethical issue associated with animal agriculture primarily focuses on factory farming's impact on animal welfare. This practice often involves keeping large numbers of animals in confined spaces with limited freedom to move, which can lead to physical and psychological distress for the animals. Such conditions raise significant moral questions regarding the treatment of sentient beings and their rights to a humane existence.

Factory farming can also contribute to various welfare concerns, including inadequate access to natural behaviors, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. These concerns are critical in discussions about how society balances the demand for food production with the ethical responsibility to ensure humane treatment of animals.

The other options do not encapsulate ethical dilemmas in the same way. Increased genetic diversity of livestock is generally seen as a positive outcome for resilience and health in populations. Raising animals in natural habitats typically aligns with welfare-friendly practices and is less likely to present ethical controversies. Crossbreeding species for better yields, while it may raise some welfare considerations, is primarily focused on production efficiency and economic benefits rather than direct ethical implications related to the quality of life of the animals involved.