We pride ourselves on being an educated society, yet people allow themselves to make ignorant statements. Referring to the letter Corporate practices corrupt, harm Mich. livestock industry (SN 10/20), the management practices utilized by agricultural producers are intended to be safe, efficient and more than adequate for livestock.
Gestation crates and battery cages allow producers to monitor livestock on an individual basis and ensure proper nutrition and eating habits and herd or flock health. More specifically, sows housed in gestation crates are ensured a full, balanced diet; safety for themselves and their unborn young from the dominant sow; and protection from some diseases and infections.
Also veal calves are not “baby cows,” they are calves. Housing veal calves individually allows for prompt and ample nutrition, while also maintaining higher health standards, as co-mingling would increase sickness and mortality rates. Much like with the human race, there is always the bully picking a school yard fight and the sick baby that mothers steer their children away from. To put this in livestock terms, the crates keep calves healthier and sows safer. Ensuring the welfare of the livestock we produce ensures the welfare of a time-honored and valued way of life.
Katelyn Thompson
animal science senior
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