hizlalást

Hizlalás (hizlalást in the accusative form) is the act or process of fattening, primarily used in agriculture and veterinary science to describe increasing the body weight of livestock through feeding and management so that animals reach a desirable slaughter weight or market size. The term derives from hízni (to become fat) with the suffix -lás, and is closely related to hizlaló (fattening agent) and hizlaló takarmány (fattening feed). In everyday language the noun hizlalás is preferred in technical contexts, while elhízás refers to obesity in humans and is not interchangeable with hizlalás in agricultural usage.

In livestock production hizlalás is a distinct phase following growth or finishing stages. It is commonly applied to cattle, pigs, and poultry, among others. The aims are to maximize weight gain and optimize feed efficiency within a specified time frame, aligned with market requirements. Finishing programs typically rely on energy-dense diets that may include cereals, by-products, and added fats, with feeding regimens ranging from ad libitum access to time-restricted feeding to manage digestive health and welfare. Outcomes are monitored using metrics such as average daily gain and feed conversion ratio.

Welfare and environmental considerations are central to modern hizlalás. Excessively rapid fattening can lead to metabolic disorders, lameness, or other health problems, while intensive systems raise concerns about housing, space, and occupational health. Environmental impacts include resource use and emissions associated with high-energy feeds and livestock production. Regulations and best practices increasingly emphasize animal welfare, nutrition, and sustainability in hizlalási programs.