...Eat Are the factory farms we buy our meat from treating animals humanely? Animal mistreatment is illegal and we can make a difference to put a stop to it. According to Ethical Farms “Some of the largest US factory farms refuse to uphold humane USDA and OSHA standards, having unsanitary, unhealthy conditions and animal rights violations. In 1958, the US government composed the Humane Slaughter Act that is not enforced” (Ethical Farms, 2010). There are 7 statutes in effect that comprise the Humane Slaughter Act. Included in these sections are Congress' statement that livestock must be slaughtered in a humane manner to prevent needless suffering, research methods on humane methods of slaughter, the non-applicability of these statutes to religious or ritual slaughter, and the investigation into the care of non-ambulatory livestock. There are farms that follow the Humane Slaughter Act in raising their livestock that we can purchase our food from, like Humane Farms for example. By aligning our consumerism with Restaurants and grocery store chains that purchase from humane farms we can make an impact. Also, supporting an Animal Rights group like The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA) or The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals(PETA) can make a big difference. You can support them either monetarily or by volunteering your time in your local area. In Chapter 17 of the Omnivore’s Dilemma (The Ethics of Eating Animals), Pollan (2006), says that “Eating...
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...Managing Manure In my communications class we have discussed current issues in the agriculture world today. One topic that really stood out to me was the manure pollution caused by livestock animals. I guess this stood out to me just because I remember how awful it was to go scoop pig and goat manure on our farm back home. Although I loved raising animals, the manure was the worst part about them, but I knew it had to be done. Farms all over the world produce large amounts of wastes, such as manure and urine that have been polluting our environment. Even though animal manure is not something livestock farmers can help, it can cause pollution to our water and air quality if it is not being managed properly. As the livestock farms grow larger, human health can be put into danger. The reason why animal wastes can be such a pollutant is because there is so much of it being produced and not managed. The waste produced per day by a single dairy cow is far more than wastes produced by households of people (EPA, 2011). Even though our livestock farm back at home was not very big, I have been around some large farms that could definitely affect our water and air quality if they have not already. To the left is a picture of manure pollution. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says, “Animal waste has the potential to contribute pollutants such as nutrients (e.g., nitrate, phosphorous), organic matter, sediments, pathogens (e.g., giardia, cryptosporidium), heavy metals...
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...and increase the need for antibiotics. The workers that manage the animals must also endure these disgusting conditions. Their job many involve handling thousands of pounds of liquid manure, removing the corpses of dead livestock, being forced to abuse the animal, and brutally killing the animal. Exposure to such vast amounts of livestock, especially dead livestock, can cause neural and respiratory damage, and handling the meat is dangerous work. A small wound can become infected, which is life threatening and job threatening. In addition to mental and emotional scarring, factory workers are often exploited, and forced into secrecy about their work. The consumers of factory-farmed products are vulnerable to any disease or bacteria carried by the product, which puts them at risk for untreatable illnesses. The deplorable conditions of the animals requires farms to pump them with antibiotics, some for health, and others for growth. Growth hormones damage the bodies of the animals, and health antibiotics lead to antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The food consumed by the nation passes on these growth hormones and resistant bacteria. Antibiotic use in factory farms must be stopped, because of the unhealthy effect on consumers. The growth hormones given to livestock result in oversized animals in cramped spaces, which...
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...Prevalence of Zoonotic Diseases (T.B and Brucellosis) in Animals Domesticated in Pishin District Research Report submitted to & For the complete fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) In BIOTECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATICS By AEMAL TAREEN Supervisor Dr. DOST MUHAMMAD BALOCH Faculty of Biotechnology and Informatics, BUITEMS, Quetta Co-Supervisor PROFESSOR Dr. MUHAMMAD AZAM KHAN KAKAR Faculty of Biotechnology and Informatics, BUITEMS, Quetta PREVALENCE OF ZOONOTIC DISEASES (TUBERCULOSIS AND BRUCELLOSIS) IN ANIMALS DOMOISTICATED IN PISHIN DISTRICT (BALOCHISTAN) Abstract This report presents a combined epidemiological and economic framework for assessing zoonoses using a ‘‘one health’’ concept. The framework allows for an understanding of the cross-sector economic influence of zoonoses using improved risk analysis and listing a range of analytical tools. The goal of the framework is to link the check outputs of animal and human disease transmission models, economic influence models and assessment of risk management options to gain improved understanding of factors affecting the acceptance of risk management plans so that investment planning includes the most promising interventions (or sets of interventions in an integrated fashion). A more complete understanding of the costs of the disease and the costs and benefits of control measures would promote broader application of the most efficient and effective control...
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...------------------------------------------------- Intensive farming Intensive farming or intensive agriculture is characterized by a low fallowratio and generally the high use of inputs such as capital, labour, or heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers relative to land area.[1][2] This is in contrast to many sorts of traditional agriculture in which the inputs per unit land are lower. With intensification, energy use typically goes up, either provided by humans, or supplemented with animals, or replaced with machines. Intensive animal husbandry involves either large numbers of animals raised on limited land, usually confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) often referred to as factory farms,[1][3][4] or managed intensive rotational grazing (MIRG). Both increase the yields of food and fiber per acre as compared to traditional animal husbandry, but in a CAFO the animal feed is brought to the animals which are seldom moved, and in MIRG the animals are bunched up and constantly moved to fresh forage. There are many modern-day forms of intensive crop based agriculture, but they are all characterised by innovations designed to get the most yields per acre possible. This is usually done by a combination of multiple crops per year, very few if any fallow years, and improved cultivars. It can sometimes also involve the use of high inputs of fertilizers, plant growth regulators orpesticides, and mechanization. Most large modern intensive farms include innovation in agricultural...
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...Abstract This paper discusses the sensitive and controversial topic of horse slaughter for human consumption and zoo animals, although, currently banned in the United States due to key legislative acts in 2006-2007. The argument addressed will touch on the advantages, and disadvantages of lifting the horse slaughter ban in the U.S. The advantages include but are not limited to, horse welfare, economic revenue and profit, and restoration of the failing horse market. Disadvantages are, again, welfare depending on how you view the topic, as well as drug and medication regulation due to the fact that horses are not raised specifically for their meat products. Introduction Horses have been used for numerous activities, duties, and jobs over thousands of years. These uses in early years range from field work like plowing, to transportation, as well as aiding and assisting during war. As civilization became more advanced, horses were needed less and less for utility. Horsemanship slowly converted into more of an art form with the purpose of enhancing the horse’s strength and beauty (Mutsune, 2012). In the modern world of 2015, horses are purchased as equine athletes for many different horse events such as showing, racing, or rodeo to name a few in general. Most of the time, these animals are being used for recreational hobbies or pure enjoyment, as economic profit in the horse industry is rare. Most equine businesses struggle to operate due to the current economy. Horses can...
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...Chapter I INTRODUCTION In many countries in Asia, goats are very important in the protein diets of the people, as well as a good, stable source of livelihood especially for the poor in the rural areas. Goat production is mostly carried out by smallholders where the animals are kept in small flocks at an average of 5-10 head/family. While rearing of goat remains at a subsistence level, its contribution to the total farm income is substantial. Goat production fits well in the rural landscape as well as in the resource capacity of smallholder farmers. It requires low initial capital and guarantees a high return on investment in as fast as two years; hence it is an attractive undertaking among rural households (FFTC Annual Report 2009). In recognition of its importance, several advanced technologies have been developed to increase goat production in some countries in the region. Technology improvement widely ranges from reproductive techniques and seasonal breeding, to silage making, agricultural by-product utilization, slotted slat barn facilities and total mix ration. However, most Asian small-scale goat farmers do not have access to these relevant information and advanced technologies for increased outputs, giving them very limited opportunities to improve their production as well as their livelihood. Goats are a most likely alternative source of animal protein, and can efficiently provide meat and milk to complement cattle and buffalo production. Goat raising has become...
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...LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY Prepared by Kate Buckner Secretary of McAlester Union Stockyards Report Distributed July 24, 2013 Prepared for ENG 3903 Technical and Professional Writing Dr. Mark Spencer Southeastern Oklahoma State University ABSTRACT This report looks at the history of the livestock industry and examines how it has changed throughout the years. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Humane Society of the United States, and other activist groups have continually tried to cast a negative shadow on the livestock industry; however, with groups such as Livestock Marketing Association, the livestock industry has flourished. The issue of horse slaughter has recently become a big issue for the livestock industry. INTRODUCTION The livestock industry has provided beef to the American public since cattle were introduced to our country in the early 1900’s. It is an indisputable fact that the human population requires enough protein to survive and maintain good health. The livestock industry has come a long way in the last century. It has survived droughts, depressions, recessions, fluctuating economies, as well as pressure and criticism from several organizations, such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), HSUS (Humane Society of the United States), the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and other activist groups. History of Selling Cattle In the beginning, before there were stockyards, cattle were herded to their meat-packing...
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...Livestock Domestic sheep and a cow (heifer) pastured together in South Africa Livestock are domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities such as food, fiber and labor. This article does not discuss poultry or farmed fish, although these, especially poultry, are commonly included within the meaning of "livestock". Livestock are generally raised for profit. Raising animals (animal husbandry) is a component of modern agriculture. It has been practiced in many cultures since the transition to farming from hunter-gather lifestyles. History Animal-rearing has its origins in the transition of cultures to settled farming communities rather than hunter-gatherer lifestyles. Animals are ‘domesticated’ when their breeding and living conditions are controlled by humans. Over time, the collective behaviour, life cycle, and physiology of livestock have changed radically. Many modern farm animals are unsuited to life in the wild. Dogs were domesticated in East Asia about 15,000 years ago, Goats and sheep were domesticated around 8000 BC in Asia. Swine or pigs were domesticated by 7000 BC in the Middle East and China. The earliest evidence of horse domestication dates to around 4000 BC[1] Older English sources, such as the King James Version of the Bible, refer to livestock in general as "cattle", as opposed to the word "deer", which then was used for wild animals which were not owned. The word cattle is derived from Old North French catel, which meant...
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...species are more affected than the world’s large top predators. These animals are extremely important to the overall health and function of an ecosystem, but conservation and restoration of them and their habitat is a remote thought on humans. The absence of predators in certain areas has led to an explosion of their natural prey, which leads to a damaging impact on their habitat. Ecosystems need to be healthy in order to maintain the health of all living things within and around them, including humans. It seems logical then to restore the natural balance by reintroducing the animal’s natural predator, conserving the population, and protecting the wild environment. Humans can no longer wait to address this growing environmental and ethical issue, and by establishing clear goals they can ensure the future of these species and ecosystems along with the continuing growth and success of their own. DOT: Sharks influence on the structure and function of ecological systems, both directly by regulating prey populations and indirectly through the interactions between their prey and other members of the ecosystem. The more severe thread, most of the time sharks are only hunted down for the profitable marked for their fins. Shark fin soup is much desired and theirs is a great demand for it. In consequence, there are special fisherman...
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... In reality, however, most farms today are actually large corporate factories, not the vast fields and red barns that most Americans imagine. These consolidated operations known as CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) are able to produce meats in high volume but have little to no regard for animal or human welfare, the environment, or food safety. CAFOs in the United States are able to produce and process these large amounts of meat year-round by providing sheltered farms for a range of livestock such as cattle, swine, and sheep. However, within these farms animals are confined in limited spaces, making living conditions increasingly unhealthy and unsanitary. Brian Walsh, an environmental columnist at Time Magazine, observed that pigs are sometimes “packed so tightly with other swine that many of their curly tails have been chopped off so they won’t bite one another.” Conditions like these are prime locations for diseases to thrive and spread throughout the livestock. Although antibacterial immunizations are provided to the pigs, the bacteria and other viruses are constantly altering, leading to untreatable infections that can be easily passed onto workers and consumers. Contributing to the threat of new diseases, CAFOs contain massive pileups of feces and other excrements which do not provide safe living or breeding grounds for animals. With over 100 million tons of feces and urine produced annually by swine CAFOs alone, the total amount of unmanageable waste...
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...According to American journalist and Author of Fast Food Nation Eric Schlosser, "Today the typical American eats sixty-eight pounds of beef each year (142)". The way we buy beef today is misunderstood and needs to be further discussed. According to Michael Pollen, an American journalist, “Forgetting, or willed ignorance, is the preferred strategy of many beef eaters, a strategy abetted by the industry”. Michael Pollan means that people try to forget the bad things of the beef they buy. Many people ignore that the cow goes through a livestock auction, the process of getting the meat from the cow, how farmers struggle raising the cows, and the dark side of buying fast food. One thing that many look past is that most cows go through...
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...Participation in Livestock Market in Zambia Mary Lubungu, Antony Chapoto, and Gelson Tembo Key Points/Summary 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. This study uses longitudinal household data collected in 2001, 2004, and 2008 to identify factors that influence Zambian smallholder farmers' participation in livestock markets. Although livestock ownership increased during the study period, not all provinces experienced the upward trend. While livestock populations increased in Southern and Central Provinces, they remained stagnant in Eastern, North western and Lusaka Provinces and reduced in Western Province. Not only has herd size remained stagnant over the years, but the level of participation of smallholder farmers in the livestock markets has also remained largely the same. Crop commercialization and participation in off-farm activities reduces the likelihood of participation in cattle markets but not in the markets for small livestock. Livestock mortality increased the likelihood of households selling cattle, goats and pigs. Household head’s level of education increased the likelihood of households selling cattle. Key public investments that may serve to increase participation in livestock markets include investments in rural education, and building institutional and infrastructural capacities. Government may also consider including livestock vaccines into the farmer input support program to allow livestock farmers to access subsidized medicines. INTRODUCTION: Livestock production and associated...
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...is taught as soon as the showman enters the cattle industry, and that means feeding, washing, and doing all the chores associated with the project. The tasks involved with showing livestock helps the showman to be a responsible adult because they have prior experience to help them succeed. When raising these projects, you are also creating a food source because eventually they will be slaughtered and used for meat. Not only do you have the responsibility of raising a living creature, but you are also raising a healthy product that will feed the world. Showing livestock also builds...
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...If you look at GoGreenInitiative.org you wont see anything about the affect of animal agriculture on the environment, instead it lists common fallacies such as using less pesticides, managing water, and carpooling. Livestock is not only polluting the air, but it is also causing deforestation. The World Bank concluded that animal agriculture is responsible for up to 91% of amazon destruction. The average cow needs two to five acres of land, using land for livestock causes extinction and habit loss for other animals. The one green planet states that the Unites States cattle grazing onto public lands impacts fourteen percent of threatened or endangered animals and thirty percent or threatened or endangered plants. This is because intensive farming takes away the nutrients that are found in...
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