Which of the following factors majorly impairs feed access in livestock?

Social hierarchies established within the herd significantly impact feed access in livestock. When animals form a social structure, dominant individuals may assert priority access to feed resources, which can lead to competition and limit the ability of subordinate members to feed adequately. This behavior is particularly noticeable in species such as cattle, pigs, and sheep, where established pecking orders dictate feeding time and quantity. As a result, animals lower in the hierarchy may end up with less access to critical nutrients, affecting their overall health, growth, and productivity.

Understanding herd dynamics is essential for livestock management, as addressing social hierarchies can help improve feed access for all animals, resulting in a more balanced dietary intake and better overall herd performance. Other factors, while important in their own rights, do not impair feed access to the same extent as social hierarchies do.