Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Also, in more developed countries where
standard of living (wealth) and food sufficiency are
greater, ethical concerns and causes are increas-
ingly focused on roles, practices, management and
functions of animal agriculture in society. Because
of this, animal production and consumption of
animal products already are being affected to vary-
ing degrees in some societies. Direct and indirect
ethical considerations related to animal welfare,
animal rights, veganism, vegetarianism, environ-
mental veganism and organic farming are evident
(Swanson
et al
., 2011; Thompson
et al
., 2011).
However, overall there is a paucity of sound data
and rigorous analyses to help inform the public dis-
cussion and policy-making processes (NRC, 2010).
An example of this is the ongoing animal welfare
research in the UK for more than 40 years
(Brambell, 1965), with somewhat later initiation
and development in North America (Chapter 4;
Mench
et al
., 2011), to gain a better understanding
of animal behaviour and feelings, and how this
body of knowledge should be incorporated into
practices in animal agriculture production sys-
tems, whether overtly through public policy mak-
ing or more indirectly via consumers' purchasing
preferences and decisions (Waterman, 2008).
This is not to suggest that animal welfare is
not a very important ethical consideration in
some societies without strong economic develop-
ment by modern standards. For example, the
Massai culture of Kenya is an example often
noted where animals are highly valued in the
centre of existence and the primary source of
livelihood (food, and as assets and insurance)
(Kitalyi
et al
., 2005). In any case, improving
animals' welfare in agricultural production sys-
tems will not be an unnecessary expense and
improved practices will serve as avenues to
attract consumers, improve animal productivity
in many cases and improve returns; although it
is quite unclear how highly valued animal wel-
fare considerations are to the majority of con-
sumers, especially in developing compared with
developed countries when considered against the
cost of food. The complex interrelationships
among social-ethical considerations (such as ani-
mal welfare) will require open dialogue with con-
sumers as part of the formative process to
determine practices and management influenc-
ing animal agriculture (Swanson
et al
., 2011;
Chapter 4). The considerations and acceptable
standards regarding ethical issues will vary
among countries, yet be influenced to significant
degree by those participating in global markets.
Part of the increased social conscience
related to animal agriculture is focused on study,
development and adoption of new technologies.
Doubtless, this is and will be part of the dialogue
related to animal agriculture in the future.
Considerable evidence indicates serious discon-
nect between science and public perception,
spawning misconception and distrust. One of
the key reasons for distrust is the paucity of cred-
ible, transparent and effectively communicated
risk analyses associated with many highly techni-
cal issues and new opportunities. The methods,
rigor and communication of good science will be
crucial to ensure food security and improved
well-being for 9 billion people by 2050; espe-
cially given the major climatic, social and tech-
nological challenges previously discussed on the
horizon. Technology will be critical for major
realignment and redirection of various food sys-
tems globally. However, incremental develop-
ment and implementation of new technologies
will fall short if not put in the context that new
technology possibilities must be contextual with
building more knowledge, networks and capac-
ity in an integrated manner (Kiers
et al
., 2008).
Discussion for transformation of thinking,
research and technological development to inte-
grated holistic systems are addressed subse-
quently in this chapter.
Social concerns could seriously risk even
careful application of such new science and
technology to provide enormous benefits to peo-
ple, planet and profit. Potential new develop-
ments will benefit greatly from open, transparent
dialogue with stakeholders as part of the forma-
tive process to understand risks and expecta-
tions (Swanson
et al
., 2011). If this is not to
occur, science must take into account fully the
environmental and health consequences that
might arise before the new technology is imple-
mented (Thornton, 2010). This will prove very
difficult to accomplish.
Advancements in Animal
Science and Technology
What advancements in the animal sciences are
possible and needed to meet the future demand
for animal products and sustainable agriculture?
