The Ethicality Of Factory Farming In The United States
Factory Farming
Factory farming involves raising livestock in a small, confined area on a large scale for the purpose of supplying food for human consumption. Hens, for example, are crammed into cages that are housed in large sheds where there is very little light, so that they can keep laying eggs. This makes it cheaper for farmers, since they don’t have to spend as much time looking after the welfare of their livestock. There are certainly ethical questions. It could be argued that factory farming is extremely cruel for the animals involved and that there are better ways for food to be produced.
Factory farming began in the 1920’s soon after the discovery of vitamins A and D; when these vitamins are added to feed, animals no longer required exercise and sunlight for growth. This allowed large numbers of animals to be raised indoors year-round. The greatest problem that was faced in raising these animals indoors was the …show more content…
over the last 25 years. Small farms have been replaced by large, industrialized factory operations, and animals and the natural world have become mere commodities in the process. While agribusiness has mastered the art of “growing” and killing animals faster and on a larger scale than ever before, the costs and negative results of this so called “cheap” food system are severe for us all.” “The Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production (PCIFAP), which included experts like former USDA Secretary Dan Glickman, conducted “a comprehensive, fact-based and balanced examination of key aspects of the farm animal industry.” This research concluded: “Industrial farm animal production systems are largely unregulated, and many practices common to this method of production threaten public health, the environment, animal health and well-being, and rural communities.” Stated by Gene Baur on the National Geographic
Factory farming involves raising livestock in a small, confined area on a large scale for the purpose of supplying food for human consumption. Hens, for example, are crammed into cages that are housed in large sheds where there is very little light, so that they can keep laying eggs. This makes it cheaper for farmers, since they don’t have to spend as much time looking after the welfare of their livestock. There are certainly ethical questions. It could be argued that factory farming is extremely cruel for the animals involved and that there are better ways for food to be produced.
Factory farming began in the 1920’s soon after the discovery of vitamins A and D; when these vitamins are added to feed, animals no longer required exercise and sunlight for growth. This allowed large numbers of animals to be raised indoors year-round. The greatest problem that was faced in raising these animals indoors was the …show more content…
over the last 25 years. Small farms have been replaced by large, industrialized factory operations, and animals and the natural world have become mere commodities in the process. While agribusiness has mastered the art of “growing” and killing animals faster and on a larger scale than ever before, the costs and negative results of this so called “cheap” food system are severe for us all.” “The Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production (PCIFAP), which included experts like former USDA Secretary Dan Glickman, conducted “a comprehensive, fact-based and balanced examination of key aspects of the farm animal industry.” This research concluded: “Industrial farm animal production systems are largely unregulated, and many practices common to this method of production threaten public health, the environment, animal health and well-being, and rural communities.” Stated by Gene Baur on the National Geographic