Distinguishing between Acceptable and Unacceptable Farming Standards

There are many uncertainties about what is acceptable practice in livestock farming and what is unacceptable, and in some cases it will be difficult to get agreement on where common standards should be set. Take the examples listed in Table 1.11. These practices are justified in some circumstances, whereas in others they are considered inappropriate. Research can help in decision making, and one area where it has been particularly useful is in determining which routine husbandry amputation procedures are least painful or distressing for the animal. The section on amputations summarizes the key findings from that research. Knowledge founded on good science such as this helps to harmonize agreement about what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. The section on easy-care systems examines the conflicts and paradoxes between ‘natural’ extensive farming systems and welfare compromise. Decision-making is more complex with this issue and depends on the practical context as well as welfare considerations. The final section considers some accepted standards on lifespan and mortality from disease in the intensive livestock industry. Here again, harmonization of expectations may be difficult.

Table 1.11. Examples of controversial farming practices.