Farmed Animals

During the week of June 13-19, 2008, U.S. beef export sales exceeded those for the same week in 2003 by 12%, reaching 14,700 metric tons (32.4 million pounds). 2003 was the last year that the U.S. was free of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE, or "mad cow" disease).

Food recalls are having a significant impact on the food choices made by those in the U.S. More than half of consumers (57%) have stopped eating a particular food as the result of a recent recall, and 76% are currently more concerned about foods they eat than they were five years ago.

This research shows that that organic farmers who let their cows graze as nature intended are producing higher quality milk. This Newcastle University study of milk quality is an effort towards minimizing the use of antibiotics in dairy production.

Hosted by the Center for Genetics and Society, this compilation presents a summary of public opinion about pet and animal cloning from various sources including Gallup, Time/CNN, FOX News, etc. Overall, a majority of the U.S. public opposes the cloning of companion animals.

This article presents a discussion of public sentiment toward the concept in vitro meat production, following a symposium on the topic in Norway. The article also discusses PETA's prize campaign challenging scientists to develop a commercially viable in vitro meat product by 2012.

The demand for "naturally raised" meat created by consumers who are opposed to factory farm models is leading to growth in fast food products from animals who were raised in traditional pastures, without antibiotics or hormones.

Worldwide, an estimated 2 billion people live primarily on a meat-based diet, while an estimated 4 billion live primarily on a plant-based diet. The US food production system uses about 50% of the total US land area, 80% of the fresh water, and 17% of the fossil energy used in the country... The meat-based food system requires more energy, land, and water resources than the lactoovovegetarian diet. In this limited sense, the lactoovovegetarian diet is more sustainable than the average American meat-based diet. [Abstract excerpted from article]

Australia's red meat industry is seeking opportunities to expand its exports to China, which historically has been an infrequent importer of beef. Per-capita beef consumption in China is only about 6 kilograms, compared with pork consumption at roughly 30 kilograms. U.S. beef exports in the first quarter of 2008 increased nearly 300%, compared with a 77% increase in Australian exports.