ENVIRONMENTAL AND ANIMAL WELFARE ISSUES

1. ENVIRONMENTAL AND ANIMAL WELFARE ISSUES Expanding an Awareness to the Concerns of Food Animal Producers

2. A PRESENTATION FOR: EXPLORATION OF FOOD ANIMAL PRODUCTION 2005 R.W. ELLIS DVM UNL - GPVEC

3. “ agriculture is man’s oldest economic activity” FOOD ANIMAL PRODUCTION - “CHANGES” Technology / Science Methods and systems of production Consumer demands Global marketing system - accelerated and intensified production levels IMPACTS UPON THE ENVIRONMENT Agriculturalists need to be the “premier” Environmentalists

4. “conflict” • Farm vs. Non-Farm … Rural vs. Urban • Agriculture vs. Environment • Right to Farm vs. Urban sprawl • Private vs. Public • NIMBY Factor – “not in my backyard”

5. SPECIFIC AG-RELATED ISSUES AIR QUALITY WATER QUALITY INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK OPERATIONS (ILO – CAFO) LAND USE AND PROTECTION

6. Air Quality DUST – (Total Suspended Particulate – TSP) creates nuisance conditions, traffic hazards, environmental contamination, respiratory stress ODORS – ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, amines,etc. 4 quantifiable aspects – frequency, intensity, duration and offensiveness 1990 Federal Clean Air Act / proposed EPA regulations

7. WATER QUALITY WATER POLLUTION – 1) Surface water contamination – total solids, volatile solids, nutrients, salts, bacterial organisms, organic chemicals, etc. 2) Groundwater contamination – leaching, open well contamination, feedlot surface breaks, backflows 3) “Point” and “Non-point” sources of contaminants Human and animal health concerns, land and soil sustainability, aquatic and wildlife viability

8. Water Quality Parameters • I. Nitrogen and Phosphorus – major concerns Nitrogen: nitrate leaching into groundwater - human health concerns Phosphorus: waste water run-off into waterways - run-off from croplands with waste water/manure disposal - “eutrophication” of lakes/rivers - enrichment of nutrients causing algae blooms, depletion of oxygen, aquatic life threats II. Pathogens – contamination, E.Coli-Protozoa-Salmonella,etc. III. Organic Chemicals – pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, hormones, ionophores, IV. Soluble Salts – increases salinity, changes soil profiles V. Heavy Metals – copper, zinc, effects on humans and aquatic life

9. UNL Study – Water Sciences Lab, 2 year study • 26 Waste Water Lagoons – 13 sites, 12 active use Test: Lagoon water and down gradient groundwater – seepage Results: 10 of 12 active lagoons – Neg. levels of indicators - (Nitrate, Ammonia, CL, dissolved organic carbon, tot.org. C) - high conc. of CL and NH3 are indicators of groundwater pollution from livestock waste - 2 lagoons – higher levels of NH3 and NO3, these lagoons were vulnerable due to high groundwater levels <35’ & soil permeability * 11 of 13 sites tested for tetracycline (O-C-T) Positive for trace levels in all lagoons No detectable levels in groundwater samples No detectable seepage

10. CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS JURISDICTION: CLEAN WATER ACT – NPDS – EPA AUTHORITY: WATER POLLUTION – WASTE MANAGEMENT >1000 hd. and risks of runoff with stipulated precipitation events (proposed changes to 300hd levels) Regulation: Permits of Operation Certifications - Inspections Waste control facilities Discharge system Proposed: Nutrient Management Plans – manure management Air Quality controls Pathogen controls Costs: Incurred by the producer – significant at present time, and newer proposals would increase costs Benefits: Environmental quality and sustainability, public relations

11. Study – Agricultural Law Center, Drake University • “Size of livestock operation is not related to the likelihood of an environmental violation” • “most livestock producers, including CAFO’s, are not polluting the environment” • Study included data from 15 states, commissioned by National Pork Producers Council, review of state records of violations and enforcements • “enforcement actions do occur, so producers careless of the design and maintenance of animal waste management systems will be penalized • “Pork producers are reasonable and caring stewards of the environment”

12. LAND USE AND PROTECTION

13. STEWARDSHIP OF RANGELANDS“controlled grass harvest improves the vitality of the grass” • CONTROLLED GRAZING • ROTATIONAL GRAZING • ANIMAL DENSITY • MAINTAIN RIPARIAN WATERWAYS • STABILIZE FRAGILE ZONES • WEED CONTROL • TREE PLANTINGS • CONTROLLED BURNS • WILDLIFE ENHANCEMENT • PLANT DIVERSIFICATION

14. “the beauty of the mountains, the quiet solitude of big open spaces - - buying a piece of heaven” • All across America people are buying land once used for agricultural production for personal retreats • This concerns conservationists, ag industry groups, and especially the local farmer and ranchers • Dilemma: expansion of ranching operations difficult because of escalating land prices – but – retiring ranchers find a good nest egg with sale at inflated, non- economically viable prices • “Trophy Ranches” – agriculture potential but also a high degree of amenities – “bragging rights”

15. URBAN SPRAWL – “ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY” An attempt to remove oneself from the social and cultural pitfalls of “Concentrated Urban Living Arrangements” Concerns: <Occupation of traditional ag land with residential projects < Exposure of people to “normal” livestock atmospheres which may annoy or disturb their quality of life < Displacement of ag-use water for human usage < Disrupt traditional land tax valuations – economic changes < Expectation of non-traditional ag land services > Potential loss of producers due to land competition

16. Global Warming appears to be “Reality” - most significant change has occurred during the last 140 years, highest rate of change during the 20th century IMPLICATIONS * WHERE WE CAN LIVE * WHERE WE CAN GROW FOOD * WHAT FOOD CAN WE GROW * HOW WE GROW FOOD * WHERE OTHER ORGANISMS CAN SURVIVE CO2 accounts for 75% of predicted increase in greenhouse effects> > from fossil fuel burning, deforestation, slash and burn agriculture, lumbering, industrial manufacturing METHANE from ruminants accounts for only 2.89% of greenhouse gas emissions (R. Cohen – U. of Saskatchewan)

17. Rangelands Grasslands comprise a large portion of the United States west of the 100th meridian. Although these areas receive too little rainfall to sustain a forest, the pioneers that settled the western frontier of the United States found dense foliage for grazing sheep and cattle. The impacts of climate change on grasslands has not been studied in the same detail as the implication for forests. Nevertheless, the existing research suggests a number of likely outcomes. Perhaps most importantly, climate change could harm grazing activities on both federal and private lands. Availability of water in these areas is often the single most important factor determining the value of land for grazing. The decline in western water availability suggested by several studies would seriously decrease the economic viability of grazing on these lands.

18. “it ain’t what it used to be”

20. “ advocates shout in the marketplace of ideas about animals – the noise they generate confuses the public-about the welfare & the rights of animals” A Perspective on the Issues of Animal Welfare

21. Social concerns for animals • Animal Cruelty - abuse, misuse • Humane Care - responsible treatments • Animal Welfare – well-being, comfort • Animal Rights - freedoms of behavior

22. “What is so confusing” WELFARE: the state of doing well, especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, prosperity 3 levels of definition: (Gonyou 1993) LEGAL - PUBLIC - TECHNICAL (Science) RIGHT: something to which one has just claim, via truth – privilege – or moral approval

23. Animal Welfare “the acceptance of the responsibility for compassion and caring for the well-being of all animal species – to celebrate the bond between animals and humans, to embrace the stewardship of animals, and to accept a relationship which is mutually beneficial to all” NATIONAL ANIMAL INTEREST ALLIANCE www.naiaonline.org Welfare/Well-Being – (Swanson 1995) Dynamic definition, not static, including human judgments concerning animal use, socially accepted states of animal well-being, and the process of scientific assessment using both physiological and psychological measures

24. ANIMAL RIGHTS-PERSPECTIVES, DOCTRINES, AGENDAS- • “a movement beginning in the 1960’s – from instances of perceived and conceptual animal abuses – spawned an advocacy of separation of all interaction between humans and animals and an opposition to all traditional relationships with animals – from eating meats and wearing leather and wool, to biomedical research, pet ownership, animal breeding, circuses, zoos, hunting, fishing, ranching, and learning about animals by hands-on experience” National Animal Interest Alliance

25. Dichotomy: Animal Welfare vs. Animal Rights • Animal Welfare: the acceptable moderate and mainstream position • Animal Rights - - - perspective of radicals, extremists, vegetarians • Emerging “middle” - - - general social thought by affluent, urban people of U.S. which have become widely separated from the natural world and agriculture, and are easily influenced by media representations; the new mainstream philosophy *Parents Magazine (survey) – 80% of public believes animals have rights

26. Companion Animal Paradigm • “Anthropomorphic” viewpoint – owner’s emotional attachment • Animal provides companionship, amusement, recreation • Include animals as a “dependent, obedient, child” in the family • In extreme, equate them as superior to people • Model the animal’s life according to human lifestyles • Is this the mainstream philosophy of U.S. pet owners or an extremist position of American culture

27. Food Animal Production Paradigm • “Machinomorphic” viewpoint – the extreme-right of agriculture • Animal is an economic unit within a production system – only • An instrument of commerce, livelihood, etc. • Industrial exploitation as “units” Is this the mainstream philosophy of U.S. food animal production or an extremist position of “corporate” agriculture? Is this a by-product of lifestyle changes, societal changes, or fate?

28. REALITY • “At which point has each attitude gone too far?” Animals as Animals - - - concerns for animal welfare demand rejection of each extreme viewpoint; animals, of course, are not machines nor are they children - - - • - - never lose sensitivity towards animals behavioral expressions and the obligation towards providing the essential needs for well-being and - - - COMPASSION

29. Realities of social changes to food animal production • Economic forces and technological developments have accelerated the evolution of the “production unit” paradigm of food animals • Food animal production methods, particularly animal confinement density and management of procedural causes of pain and suffering, will come under further attack • Economic justification for present production methods will be questioned and consumer demands will influence changes in production systems

30. IMPLICATIONS UPON FOOD ANIMAL PRODUCTION • Demands and regulations for alterations of “traditional” management and production practices • Demands and regulations for changes in “intensity” of production • Demands and regulations for application of handling and transportation of animals • Demands and regulations for changes in the use of chemicals, antibiotics, hormones, i.e. non-therapeutic modalities • Restrictions upon environmental actions • Restrictions upon biological and biomedical research upon animals • Effects and shifts upon consumer demand for food products • Effects and shifts upon economic parameters or profitability • Effects upon consciousness and alternative lifestyles

31. Positive Effects • “Heightened awareness and responsiveness to animal abuse and welfare issues” and • “Organizational and industry-affiliated support of changes which convey a proactive concern for welfare issues”

32. ANIMAL AGRICULTURE ALLIANCE An alliance of agriculture producers and organizations, animal scientists and researchers, food animal veterinarians, food industry groups and organizations, retail food councils, etc. National Council of Chain Restaurants and Food Marketing Institute - Animal Welfare Advisory Council Federation of Animal Science Societies - committee on Animal Care and Use Standards American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists - Animal Care Certification - an effort to provide public assurance and to guide public perceptions

33. Animal Agriculture Alliance • Initial areas to address: 1 – Pre-Harvest conditions for animals 2 – Transportation and processing 3 – Safeguards for quality and food safety 4 – Environmental concerns

34. VETERINARIAN’S ROLE • “seek advances in food animal production which enhance the image of a caring, animal-welfare concerned industry LEADERSHIP ROLE • “development and implementation of acceptable humane standards” ULTIMATE ADVOCATE • “improving communication and understanding among those with divergent views” WATCHDOG • “intolerant of abusive or negligent care of food, companion, exotic animals on the farm” exerp: Richard C. Swanson DVM Executive Board – AVMA 1993 Proceedings of the 1993 AVMA Animal Welfare Forum

35. VETERINARY ISSUES • EUTHANASIA • APPROVED METHODS • 1) GUNSHOT • 2) CAPTIVE BOLT • 3) BARBITURATE OVERDOSE • 4) EXSANGUINATION • 5) ELECTROCUTION • PAIN MANAGEMENT • “ELECTIVE SURGERIES” • HOT IRON BRANDING • INDIVIDUAL ANIMAL MEDICINE vs. HERD OR UNIT MEDICINE • Confinement – Housing Management

36. CHALLENGE “The challenge for the livestock industry has been to integrate the emerging body of knowledge about clinical ethology in food animals, which attempts to document and quantify animal distress and suffering, into efficient production practices. This integration has not been easy because there is definitely an emotional side to the debate that sometimes overshadows logic.” “The Veterinarian’s Role in Farm Animal Welfare” A.D. Crook DVM, L.E. Heider DVM 1993 AVMA Animal Welfare Forum

37. OPPOSITION “The meat industry is just one segment of American agribusiness food production systems that violates other’s rights in its monopolistic game of control” “Raising farm animals is a crime not just against animals, but against rights, nature, Mother Earth, indigenous peoples, the environment, migrant workers, spiritual growth, transspecies democracy, biodiversity, holism, etc.” Dr. Michael Fox Humane Society of the United States

38. REALITY “Food animal production is poorly understood by affluent, urban people of the U.S.” “Citification of Americans has separated human beings from other animals in the natural world. Americans have fallen prey to a view of nature as “a simple, uncomplicated, romantic state of happiness and virtue – an escapist fantasy.” Ott, R.S. DVM “Veterinary services for animal use in the U.S.: A conflict of paradigms.” JAVMA 1990; 197:1134-1139

39. Interesting Sources of Opinions “Misplaced Compassion: The Animal Rights Movement Exposed” Ward M. Clark 2001 Writers Press Club “The Covenant of the Wild: Why Animals Chose Domestication” Stephan Budiansky U.S. News and World Report writer Morrow 1992 “ Veterinary Services for animal use in the United States: A conflict of paradigms” Randall S. Ott DVM MS Dipl ACT Journal of the AVMA 1990; 197:1134-1139 “ A Veterinary Student Survey: Opinions about…medical research, food animal production, food consumption …” Large Animal Practice 1997, 18:6,30-35

40. Thank You!