Bioethical considerations in animal production

NPL, Animal Production Systems, USDA/CSREES/PAS, 800 9th Street, SW, Room 3130, Waterfront Centre, Washington, DC 20250-2220, USA. rreynnells@csrees.usda.gov

The Western Coordinating Committee-204 (WCC-204) on animal bioethics is a multistate research committee that was formed through the cooperation of several university and government personnel having diverse backgrounds. The WCC-204 is pleased to provide this symposium to Poultry Science Association (PSA) members and invite their participation in the committee. Generic objectives of the committee include facilitation of dialogue to improve our understanding of complex ethical issues related to animal production and utilization by humans, to encourage research and educational programs in this area, and to create a means for critical analysis of the animal sciences professions. The basis for philosophical discussions and religious implications of bioethical discussions that create profound differences of opinion between people is discussed. The various and often underappreciated contributions of society to the structure of our current food production system, and society's approach to change (taking marketplace responsibility for demands vs. regulations), are briefly discussed. Several factors that may contribute to the creation of conflicts and misunderstandings are listed. Speakers will discuss the WCC-204 organization, the need to define where there is agreement between opposing entities, education of students and others through contemporary issues classes, and global issues related to animal well-being.