ABSTRACT

This book addresses the production practices employed in the production of food animals and animal products that enable marketers to sell a variety of products to meet consumer demand.

Food animal production practices have come under increased scrutiny by consumers who object to inputs and practices. The industry has been a proponent of using technologies to reduce production costs, resulting in lower-priced meat and animal food products, and now consumers are starting to look at other objectives. This book considers the key issues of concern to consumers, including the treatment of animals, the use of antibiotics, feed additives and hormones, and how these are monitored, regulated, and communicated to consumers. It also reviews labeling and information provided to consumers, including organic, genetic engineering, welfare standards, and place of origin. While the main focus is on the United States, there are descriptions of European practices and legislation.

Overall, it aims to provide an objective and balanced appraisal, which will be of interest to advanced students and researchers in agricultural, food and environmental economics, law and policy, and animal production and welfare. It will also be very useful for early career professionals in the food and agricultural sectors.

part I|29 pages

Safety and the industry

chapter 1|10 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|10 pages

Providing safe products and food security

chapter 3|11 pages

The meat industry

part II|56 pages

Concerns about animal production facilities

chapter 4|10 pages

Producing beef, dairy, and pork products

chapter 5|11 pages

The production of chickens

chapter 6|12 pages

Wild and farm-raised seafood

chapter 7|11 pages

The humane treatment of food animals

chapter 8|10 pages

Providing animals sufficient space

part III|66 pages

Consumer information on inputs

chapter 9|11 pages

Objecting to antibiotics

chapter 10|10 pages

Controversies with hormones

chapter 12|12 pages

Pesticides used in animal production

chapter 13|10 pages

Selective breeding and animal cloning

part IV|66 pages

Marketing and social issues

chapter 16|11 pages

Organic products

chapter 17|10 pages

Locally grown products

chapter 18|11 pages

Animal waste management

chapter 19|11 pages

Nuisances and product disparagement

chapter 20|10 pages

Conclusions