The term muscle myopathy is used to describe conditions associated with muscle weakness or changes in muscle mass in meat production. Fast growth rate is one of the many factors related to muscle myopathies in a multitude of farm production species.
In 2015, 96 humane handling enforcement actions were posted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Web site.
Slaughter, in general, has always been the elephant in the room. Everyone knows it happens, but they aren’t sure how it happens and don’t want to ask because they may not like what they find out.
Changes to animal welfare policy in the last year by giants such as Starbucks, Aramark and — most recently — Walmart reflect the fact that farm animal welfare is a growing issue of importance in this country as consumers seek food choices that reflect their values.
A humane certification label assures consumers that farmers and producers across the U.S. are raising these animals under good animal-welfare standards, covering everything from adequate space to air quality, diet, living conditions and the ability to express natural behaviors.
Stacy and Troy Hadrick truly practice what they preach. This fifth-generation South Dakota ranching couple is helping to make the voice of agriculture louder and more influential by putting a face to the people who put food on our plates.
As the winter wonderland is in full swing, it is important to think about our feathery friends in the barn, especially if we are incubating or have recent hatchlings.