Factory Farm Essay Example
Factory Farm Essay Example

Factory Farm Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
Topics:
  • Pages: 4 (966 words)
  • Published: April 27, 2017
  • Type: Case Study
View Entire Sample
Text preview

Factory farming in America is commonly regarded as the most effective method of food distribution due to the substantial demand for meats, dairy, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Nevertheless, a closer examination exposes the public's lack of awareness regarding the unethical practices within this industry. Additionally, the affordability of these products should not justify the actions undertaken by factory farming. The food produced under this system is far from beneficial for our society. Instead of envisioning content animals wandering freely on a farm with cows calmly grazing in lush fields and chickens leisurely exploring the barnyard, reality offers a contrasting portrayal.

The majority of animals that are raised for food suffer from miserable lives in confined, dark, and overcrowded facilities known as "factory farms." During my research on factory farming, I came across numerous websites that provided extensive de

...

tails on the daily abuse experienced by these innocent animals. These farms classify the animals into different categories such as broiler chickens, layer chickens, pigs, veal calves, and dairy cows. These labels are used to identify the animals that endure suffering to meet the high demands for food products. For instance, broiler chickens are raised specifically for their thighs and breasts, highlighting one example of maltreatment.

The birds are subjected to rapid breeding, resulting in excessive weight and weak bones unable to support their bodies. As a result, they become immobile and are eventually euthanized. Furthermore, to prevent aggression, their beaks and toes are removed. This inhumane treatment extends to layer chickens, which are responsible for egg production.

The text describes the harsh living conditions for animals such as chickens and pigs. Chickens are confined in battery cages with slanted wir

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

floors, causing discomfort and foot deformation. The excessive egg production leads to mineral depletion and fatigue, ultimately resulting in death. Pigs, on the other hand, are kept in narrow cages without the ability to turn around. Boredom often drives pigs to develop vices like mouthing and nervous ticks, while some resort to fighting and cannibalism out of frustration. Pigs are born and raised indoors with automated systems for water, feed, and waste disposal.

Veal calves are confined in small crates, preventing movement and promoting slow muscle growth for tender flesh. Their diet is intentionally low in iron to maintain pale and appealing flesh for consumers. Dairy cows are selectively bred for high milk production and injected with hormones to further increase their output, effectively doubling their milk yield.

Dairy cows can continuously be impregnated in order to produce milk for 10 months after giving birth. The research I conducted revealed the horrifying treatment of animals that ultimately end up on our plates. I firmly believe that the unethical treatment of these defenseless creatures cannot be justified by our need for food. In the book "The Ethics of Eating Meat," factory farming and the moral issues surrounding animal treatment were extensively discussed.

Both paragraphs 20 and 21 stress the importance of giving animals equal consideration. Personally, I agree that animals should have rights, although not on the same level as humans. Animals cannot express their desires or vote like we can. However, it is crucial to treat them fairly and ensure they receive fair treatment. We also have a responsibility to show them respect and minimize any suffering they experience. After all, would we want to be confined

in a cage? If we heard about a parent doing this to their child, it would be considered child abuse.

Animal abuse encompasses the cruel treatment of various animals, including dogs, in unfavorable conditions. Nevertheless, it is important to question why the mistreatment of cows or chickens should not be regarded similarly. The notion exists that we ought to perceive pain as equally undesirable regardless of the species enduring it. Besides the unethical treatment of animals, factory farming poses an additional concern for America - its detrimental impact on our society's health. Sustainabletable.org offers valuable information on the substantial issues associated with factory farming, such as additive and antibiotic usage, wasteful practices, and its contribution to obesity.

Today's supermarkets provide a range of highly processed foods that are enriched with numerous food additives, serving different purposes such as changing the taste and appearance, improving quality, and extending shelf life. Yet, it raises the question of whether these additives are truly necessary. In our current society, where food waste is widespread and obesity rates are consistently increasing, we might need to contemplate reducing production, offering smaller portions, and advocating for responsible eating habits.

Furthermore, the crowded and unsanitary conditions on factory farms require animals to be fed low doses of antibiotics, sometimes to accelerate their growth. This practice is adding to the escalating problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans. Therefore, by addressing these two concerns - additives and antibiotics - the food consumers purchase would become safer and of higher quality, benefiting both animals and people's health. Factory farming should thoroughly examine their practices.

The cruelty and unethical treatment happening under their roof is unjustifiable. It is imperative to grant

animals the same level of pain consideration as humans. The negative consequences of factory farming extend beyond the suffering of animals; it also negatively affects our society. By inhumanely confining and breeding animals solely for food production purposes, we disregard their well-being and fail to consider the long-term ramifications for both animals and humans.

By altering our factory farm production, America has the capacity to enhance the quality of the product by eliminating the additives and antibiotics utilized in these animals. This cleanup would result in better food in America, allowing both the animal and consumer to experience a healthier and safer outcome. In conclusion, factory farming enables America to have food; however, changes must be made in order for both the animal and consumer to benefit from a healthier and safer outcome.

Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New