Feeding the Growing Population Mary Ott Argument If

Feeding the Growing Population Mary Ott

Argument: If continuing to use animals for food will provide the greater good (happiness) for people, then we ought to continue using animals for food.

Key Terms Animal products Animal by-products Animal rights Animal welfare

How Do We Feed Ourselves? Animal protein (meat) Animal by-products (eggs, cheese, etc. ) With supplements of vegetables grown on cropland

Common Question What about the crop land used for animals that could be used to grow plants to feed people? “More than two-thirds of the global agriculture area is used for permanent meadows and pastures. If livestock eat grass and other plants that are not suitable for direct human consumption, they do not compete for cereals but increase food supply and add significantly to agricultural production. They produce manure, contribute to soil cultivation, serve as draught and pack animals, recycle waste, and stabilize the food security of their owners. ” Global Agriculture: Agriculture at a Crossroads, 2015

Calorie/Nutrient Density “Ideally, the calorie-dense foods in your diet should also be nutritionally rich, and meat is the perfect example. ” Paleo Leap, 2017

Utilitarian Approach Agree that we have an ethical obligation to continue this practice for the greater good of society “At its simplest, utilitarianism is the moral theory that promotes the “greatest good of the greatest number. Widdows, p. 44 “Happiness is having what you need. ” Widdows, p. 48 Takes into account consequences for actions (consequences for not using animals for food)

Use of Animal By-products from animal consumption Food: Non-food: Animal fiber Blood/blood substitutes Bone Casein (plastics, clothing, cosmetics, Broths/stocks adhesives, paint, etc. ) Casein (milk, cheese, etc. ) Feathers Eggs Fur Gelatin Gallstones (medicine) Lard Horn Whey Lanolin (lotions, oils, etc. ) Leather Manure Animal by-products, as defined by the USDA, are products harvested or manufactured from livestock other than muscle meat. Pearl Silk Tallow (soap. oils, etc. ) Wool

So what do we do? There is a reason we are omnivores, rather than carnivores or herbivores “It just shows how the plant and the animal foods fill in each other’s gaps. ” --Paleo Leap, 2017

Resources Global Ethics, Heather Widdows, 2017 https: //paleoleap. com/meat-protein/ http: //www. globalagriculture. org/report-topics/meat-and-animal-feed. html