Meat and Milk Factories by Peter Singer and Jim Mason Essay Example

its dispersal along the creeks when weather conditions permit. In contrast, Wayne utilizes the manure as soil for his agricultural practices.

During the tour, Singer and Mason observed the pig housing at the Bradley's farm and noticed that it was different compared to other farms. The confinement was designed to provide better shelter for the pigs during bad weather, allowing them to be easily brought in and out as needed. Additionally, Singer and Mason discovered more baby pigs in the confinement area and were pleasantly surprised to find no signs of animal abuse. However, they had a question for Mr. Bradley regarding the practice of cutting the pigs' teeth. Mr. Bradley, being a farmer, explained that this was not considered abuse but rather done for the pigs' own benefit. He explained that the sharpness of their teeth could cause pain to the mother pig during nursing, as well as potential harm to each other during fights for nipples. Singer and Mason agreed with Mr. Bradley's reasoning, understanding that in the farming industry, this is how babies are raised and nurtured by their parents. Another concern raised by Singer and Mason was the castration of animals without any anesthetic. Wayne clarified that this procedure is done immediately after birth (within 10 days) due to consumer demand.

In my opinion, although many find the taste enjoyable, it is not enough justification to inflict pain on animals without providing any form of pain relief. I recognize that castrating animals is done for the sake of consumers' health, but it cannot be ignored that the animals undergo considerable suffering. Singer and Mason pose a crucial question: could there be another approach?

Wayne highlights this by recounting his personal encounter of visiting the dentist without any pain medication until he reached 22 years old.

As they continue through the farm, the next discovery is a room with a small window, where pregnant animals can be seen. This is where the collection of semen occurs, and Bradley explains the process. "We use a steel dummy," he says. "Some boars will ejaculate while riding it, but others won't." Next, they come across the nursery, where animals are taught to be weaned from their parents at an early age. Singer and Mason are curious about how the animals cope with this process.

According to Wayne, on the first day, the babies usually spend their time lounging around. However, when they enter, the babies might begin whining due to missing their parents. Therefore, I believe there is no abuse in this process. Towards the end of the tour at Wayne farm, they find a section where pigs are fully confined. Singer and Mason realize that even though confined, there is a fresh breeze for the pigs making them as comfortable as if they were in the Bahamas.

In this building, Wayne describes the misrepresentation of the treatment given to animals. He clarifies that upon arrival, the animals are provided antibiotics in their feed to facilitate the weaning process. Subsequently, they receive a dose of bacitracin medicine to enhance their growth rate. Mr. Bradley concludes the tour by emphasizing his intention to enlighten everyone about the treatment of animals, as opposed to the belief held by some Americans that farmers subject them to abuse.

In conclusion, it is easy to say that while raising animals may

be seen as cruel by people other than farmers, farmers like Wayne Bradley have arguments in favor of it. In their passage, Singer and Mason highlight how the pressure of the industry forces farmers to increase the speed of livestock production. Almost every American meal involves some sort of farm industry, and the demand for certain meats determines the industry's level of effort. Ultimately, opposing the system will only result in significantly higher prices for farm-produced products.