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25/11/2010
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Karel de Greef
Much can be said about the increasing social status of animals. We won't do so here, but it's a fact that we keep millions of such animals, deserving of protection, for the sole purpose of eating them. And to do so cheaply, production methods have been developed which are controversial. In the Netherlands, the pig seems to have become the object (or perhaps subject?) of such discussions. How do you combine pettable and edible?
The path to more sustainable production via more natural production methods is being followed and is receiving broad-based support in the area of policy. Organic farming is the dominant direction in this regard. But in my view, this will not enable us to take major steps forward, as it simply shifts or transfers the eco-footprint or impact rather than substantially reducing it, and also because our (SKAL) method of implementing organic livestock farming is actually no more than an improved variant of conventional livestock farming. So we have to do more.
The animal sector at Wageningen UR is proposing a second route, one that involves careful and responsible livestock farming. This is based on the idea that it is possible to develop forms of livestock farming and animal production from the perspectives of ‘utilising technology’, ‘managing processes’ and ‘focus on the animal’ which will comply with animal welfare considerations and at the same time effectively deal with undesirable side effects (eco-impact, disease risks, inequality in distribution of benefits etc.).
Accordingly, we face the challenge of designing animal production systems which will be seen by all as carefully balancing the interests of people, animals and the ecosystem. We can do so. The necessary knowledge and skills are available, and so are the partners in the sector and society as a whole. And importantly, there is also a sense of urgency. The world is inevitably demanding more animal products, and at Wageningen UR, we aim to make a contribution to better nutrition for the world's population while at the same time minimising the negative effects?
And what about the dilemma between cuddly and tasty, between worthy of being protected and intended for the slaughter? In contributing to careful and responsible livestock farming, we must always remember that we are dealing here with something quite vulnerable: as a civilised country, how do we treat our animals? This demands a great deal from us, not only in terms of animal science (i.e. how to best satisfy the needs of the animals) but also in terms of society. In other words, how can we integrate values such as respect and aesthetics into our systems?
Perhaps we here, at Wageningen, also have more to learn in terms of integrating seemingly incompatible aspects, such as rational/technical thinking on the one hand and appropriately taking account of emotions on the other, in order to ensure that effective solutions also become acceptable solutions. After all, an ideal stall from the perspective of farmer, consumer and animal is no guarantee of social acceptance.
In short: appropriate animal welfare is becoming an undeniable (and almost not to be compromised) social value. But there is more. An honest price, minimising environmental impact, food safety, efficient utilisation of scarce space and resources, etc. are all important. We must not be afraid to look towards knowledge and technology to provide solutions for these issues. It's not simply a question of going back to better (i.e. more natural) production methods, but in particular also of going forwards to better, i.e. well thought out and carefully designed and managed animal production methods!
Karel de Greef
Researcher at Wageningen UR Livestock Research