| Traditional Practice | Industrial Alternative | |
| General system | Mixed | Specialized |
| Reliance on technology | Minimal | Substantial |
| Forage preservation | Sun dried | Dryers, processors |
| Water for growing | Natural | Irrigation |
| Fertilizer | Manure | Chemical |
| Weed control | Manual | Chemical |
| Management | Extensive | Intensive |
| Environment | Natural | Modified |
| Housing | None - minimal | Total confinement |
| Genotypes | Adapted, dual purpose | Selected, specialized |
| Bedding | Straw, none | Sand, shavings, none |
| Feed delivery | Manual | Mechanized |
| Feed availability | Variable | Continuous |
| Mating | Natural | Artificial insemination |
| Prolificacy | Normal | Enhanced |
| Suckling periods | Natural patterns | Shortened |
| Disease prevention | None | Substantial |
| Immunity | Natural | Enhanced by vaccinations |
| Sanitation | Minimal | Substantial |
| Energy | All solar No subsidy Very little in or out |
Solar Considerable subsidy Chemical in Biological out |