Free range farming has been a topic of controversy for years worldwide and particularly in Australia. I believe it is important to know that the animals you consume have been produced as naturally as possible. Free range pigs are more popular than ever, as many companies are no longer using gestation crates or sow stalls to grow their meat.
First of all, sow stalls are controversial as consumers are more aware of where their products are coming from. The sow stalls are usually tiny, constraining the pigs so they cannot walk anywhere. This results in joint damage, inability to stand and urinary tract infections because the pigs are confined to the firm floor (not even straw is laid beneath the animals). It causes permanent stress on the animals, building up toxins in their systems which humans consequently eat.
Photo from: http://www.catcahelpanimals.org/26.html
Watch this video below to see the process of free range farming of pigs:
The main attraction to free range meat is that the animals can spend their lives living on the natural land, displaying characteristics and instincts not possible in crates or sheds. It makes the consumer happier to consume their meat, knowing it had a good life. The pigs get to graze all day in the pastures, absorb the sunlight and have a stress free life. Free range is of course more expensive, as less animals are grown however we do not consume the toxins produced by stress, the animal lives a great life and we then eat tastier meat.
Photo from: http://www.rightonsofshipston.co.uk/contentok.php?id=443
The Australian Pork Industry has planned to gradually ban sow stalls by 2017 due to animal welfare issues. Nonetheless, this does not mean all pigs will be free range so it is important to support the free range farmers. Next time you are at the supermarket make sure you look out for this Humane Choice Symbol as it is the only official certification of free range meat:
Until next time,
Keep loving the green life
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