Juevos! ... er Eggs!

Ah. Nature's simple source of protein. These tiny little nuggets pack quite the protein punch with 6 grams protein per egg. No wonder they're so popular. Every though about where that egg came from? Well I'll give you just a snip-it.

It all starts with those fluffy little chickadees that we all "coo" over. So innocent and tiny, these little balls of fluff are separated between males and females at a fairly young age. They have been engineered specifically for laying egg purposes, essentially having no economic value. So when the males are separated from the females, they are usually thrown aside into trash cans, leaving them to "suffocate or are crushed by the weight of others." Or in some other cases, the male chicks may be "ground-up" alive.

The females hens are kept in extremely small cages that are lined up in rows, upon rows. These cages restrict the hens from stretching their wings and feet. The hens become bored and frustrated from these severe conditions and begin pecking excessively. In order to stop this, the farmers cut the hens beaks off without any anesthetic. This process usually involves cutting through bone, cartilage and soft tissue.

Each hen roughly produces about 250 eggs per year. Typically after one year of egg production, these hens are considered "spent." They are then sent to be disposed of.
I recently read in a article how the "spent" hens were ground up by a wood-chipper ALIVE. According to article, this is a common practice in farming.
All of this for an egg. A fair warning. Although the egg carton may have "cage free" on the package DOES NOT mean the hen hasn't been mutilated. Because of the crowding, their beaks are still removed in a painful way. So just be aware the next time you purchase some eggs...

Pigs!

The source of delectable bacon, delicious tenderloins and salty ham sandwiches. Sure these things sound amazing, but what did that pig have to endure to become a tasty dish? When I think of pigs, I think of the curly, wiggling little tail and snorts that are so distinct. Unfortunately, these adorable animals usually live a miserable life on a factory farm. Kept in tight quarters, pregnant pigs are kept in small crates, making it impossible for them to turn around. With rapid weight gain and no movement, the pig's bone density begins to decrease. Newborns have been accidentally crushed by their mother because of the cramped space.

The runts that don't grow fast enough, "are a drain on resources and so have no place on the farm. Picked up by their hind legs, they are swung and then bashed headfirst on the concrete floor." This practice is commonly known as "Thumping." Sometimes some are still alive.."then you have to thump them all over again. There have been times I've walked in that room an they'd be running around with an eyeball hanging down the side of their face, just bleeding like crazy, or their jaw would be broken."

These pigs that do make it are injected with various antibiotics to prevent from spreading any disease and hormones to speed up the growing process. As young piglets, their teeth are pulled out without pain killers to prevent any cannibalism that happens due to small quarters. The males testicles are ripped out usually 10 days after they are born. Mind you, this is done without the use of anesthetic. YISH!

Pigs suffer continuously just to satisfy our hunger pains. There have been numerous undercover video of pigs being skinned while still conscience. Throwing and beating them with rakes. Next time you grab for the piece of bacon find out where it's from. Please make a conscience effort to choose from farms that don't practice factory farming.

What is factory farming?

       Also known as CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations), these large operations  raise livestock in  high density and small spaces, making the operation factory-like. This type of operation allows for prices of their products to be low by producing such a large volume. Yet these operations present more complications and detrimental effects that aren't worth savings. These animals are kept in such small spaces that they need to be given antibiotics and pesticides to reduce the chance of spreading disease and ultimately improve production rates. There has been many debates as to whether the hormones and antibiotics that have been given to the livestock is affecting the way our bodies react to antibiotics nowadays. You be the judge. 

       Not only does the farming affect the welfare of the animal, but it also effects the environment and our health. Yet the large corporations still find ways to get around these issues with the government. Author Jonathan Foer explains that "Common farming exemptions (CFE) make "legal any method of raising farmed animals so long as it is commonly practiced within the industry." Essentially, these large corporations have the right to define cruelty. Pretty interesting how large corporations have such a pull on the government. 


On a side note, I'm currently reading a book called "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Sagran Foer. I recommend this book to anyone this interested in factory farming. You will be shocked by what you read. 


Also check out this great website for information and visuals.
Farm Sanctuary

General Idea.

I, in no way want to convert people into becoming a vegetarian, but I want people to know what they are eating. In this blog, I want to seek answers as to what "factory farming" is doing to our economy, environment, health and what it consists of. I also want to incorporate companies and farms that practice sustainable ethical farming, whether its restaurants or particular food brands.