Animal Welfare in Animal Agriculture : Husbandry, Stewardship, and Sustainability in Animal Production

Through a multidisciplinary approach, this book takes readers on a journey through the complex maze of issues that surrounds animal welfare today. The text links current and historical uses of animals and our views toward them with the concept of sustainable agriculture, addressing the role that welfare plays in a strong and viable food system. Contributors present their views on what constitutes genuine animal welfare and how it is attained. They discuss topics including ethics, food safety, ecology, biotechnology, and the contributions of animals to society. Unique in its depth, breadth, and balance, this book underscores the need for dialog on animal welfare.

What constitutes animal welfare? With animals being used for companionship, service, research, food, fiber, and by-products, animal welfare is a topic of great interest and importance to society. As the world’s population continues to increase, a major challenge for society is the maintenance of a strong and viable food system, which is linked to the well-being and comfort of food animals. Animal Welfare in Animal Agriculture: Husbandry, Stewardship, and Sustainability in Animal Production explores the pressing issue of farm animal welfare in animal production systems in the United States and globally.

A framework for open discussion on animal welfare, this multidisciplinary book brings together the perspectives of 40 highly qualified and recognized experts in their respective fields. Fourteen chapters address a range of topics that includes ethics, sociology, food safety, ecology, feed resources, biotechnology, government regulations, and sustainability, as well as animal comfort, health, and contributions to society. The book also offers a historical perspective on the growth of animal agriculture from family farms to industrial animal agriculture—and the impact this has had on society. Illustrating the diversity of viewpoints, the concept of animal welfare is defined from the perspectives of an ethicist and philosopher, a research scientist, a veterinarian, an industrialist, and an activist, as well as from the perspective of sustainability and product quality.

Written primarily for students, but also highly relevant for professionals in varying fields of academia and industry, this timely book reveals important insights into animal welfare and animal agriculture. Unique in its depth, breadth, and balance, it underscores the need for dialogue on wide-ranging and often contentious issues related to animal production systems.