Letter to the Editor: Animals are treated humanely when being raised for food
Dear Editor,
Whether or not to use animal products for food consumption is a personal choice. I respect everyone’s right to choose, however that decision should be made based on facts and correct knowledge. Growing up on a dairy farm, I know first hand how the animals are treated. When animals have economic value to humans, they are fed, cared for, and sheltered. It is in the interest of the owners to make sure the animals and the land they are raised on are kept safe and healthy. Owners will spend late nights caring for sick animals or helping with the birth of offspring. No one cares more for the animals.
It is a bit of a paradox that these same owners enjoy eating these animals. It is because they understand that these animals were given for our use and benefit. Ruminant animals (animals with four stomachs) are able to consume forages off land that is not suitable for raising crops for human consumption, and convert it to food that is suitable for human consumption. When’s the last time you went to a restaurant and ordered some Kochia grass? You wouldn’t, because as a monogastric (one stomach) you could not digest it.
Humans are not the only species that use other animals for food. Carnivores consume only animal products. Dogs and cats will drink milk from cows whenever they are given the chance.
The USDA recommends three servings a day of milk, and two to three servings of meat. These recommendations are made based on a vast number of studies. There are animal products available with little or no fat, or if you prefer the taste that comes with fat, reduce fat intake from other areas of your diet. Something I learned in my chemistry class here at Utah State University is that plant products, such as margarine are more carcinogenic (cancer causing) than animal products, such as butter because they contain unsaturated fatty acids.
Ranchers and farmers who consume their own animal products are healthy and strong. They work outside bucking bales of hay and doing other physical activities.
Sincerely,
Bruce Richards