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People are increasingly becoming concerned about the extensive cruelty caused to animals in conventional meat production. Hence nowadays meat producers are using animal welfare methodologies.
Animal welfare, in organic meat production or otherwise, calls for implementing various guidelines including:
- Providing more space to animals and reducing the number of animals per acre or barn
- Provide access to sufficient open fields, water, and food
- Ensuring a holistic food instead of feeding just energy rich diet
- Greater healthcare facilities and reducing the stress levels
- Prohibiting the use of electric prods
Farm Animal Welfare Council, an UK based organization, has laid stress on five types of freedoms for animals, whether on farm, or in transit or at the slaughter house. These five freedoms are:
- Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: The livestock should be given a free access to fresh water source and diet.
- Freedom from Discomfort: The animals should be given a comfortable shelter.
- Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease: Healthy conditions should be maintained and immediate attention should be paid to diseases and disorders.
- Freedom to Express Normal Behavior: The animals should be given free space and company of their own species.
- Freedom from Fear and Distress: Conditions that result in mental suffering for the livestock should be removed.
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