Animal Welfare in Animal Agriculture Hardcover

Wilson G Pond

What constitutes animal welfare? With animals being used for companionship, service, research, food, fiber, and by-products, animal welfare is a topic of great interest and importance to society. As the world's population continues to increase, a major challenge for society is the maintenance of a strong and viable food system, which is linked to the well-being and comfort of food animals. Animal Welfare in Animal Agriculture: Husbandry, Stewardship, and Sustainability in Animal Production explores the pressing issue of farm animal welfare in animal production systems in the United States and globally. A framework for open discussion on animal welfare, this multidisciplinary book brings together the perspectives of 40 highly qualified and recognized experts in their respective fields. Fourteen chapters address a range of topics that includes ethics, sociology, food safety, ecology, feed resources, biotechnology, government regulations, and sustainability, as well as animal comfort, health, and contributions to society. The book also offers a historical perspective on the growth of animal agriculture from family farms to industrial animal agriculture-and the impact this has had on society. Illustrating the diversity of viewpoints, the concept of animal welfare is defined from the perspectives of an ethicist and philosopher, a research scientist, a veterinarian, an industrialist, and an activist, as well as from the perspective of sustainability and product quality. Written primarily for students, but also highly relevant for professionals in varying fields of academia and industry, this timely book reveals important insights into animal welfare and animal agriculture. Unique in its depth, breadth, and balance, it underscores the need for dialogue on wide-ranging and often contentious issues related to animal production systems.

1439848424

9781439848425

English

Taylor & Francis Inc

12 Jan 2012

334

Wilson G. Pond, PhD, is a visiting professor at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA, and a Fellow of the American Society of Animal Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Society of Nutritional Science.

This text provides the reader with multiple views on animal welfare and proves to be a fascinating read. There are a variety of viewpoints included in the text and thus avoids the pitfall of providing only one or two opinions on, what has proved to be, a controversial subject. ...While it should be considered required reading for students in the agricultural field, it will also prove to be thought-provoking to anyone interested in the subject of animal welfare and its impact on society.