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Originally Posted by vMike  Now think about it, what if we stop killing and eating animals? Their numbers will grow significantly and soon certain animal species may dominate the ecosystem and even start attacking humans as their food supply diminishes - since we are going to eat fruits and vegetables much like they do - another thing to consider.. |
Actually there will probably be less animals if we are not raising them for food, the most numerous species on the planet right now (not counting insects/microbes/etc) is the chicken. No way that would be the case if they were not being eaten by us.
vMike, are you just concerned about the immediate health consequences of eating meat, or does the debate over whether raising animals causes undue pollution of air and water hold any sway with you?
Personally I agree that factory farming is a bad idea. Here in Central Texas it is possible for me to get grass-fed free-range beef, bison, chicken, pork, turkeys, eggs, and milk. I have visited some of the farms and I know the animals are well-treated. But it is sooo much more expensive, like $8/lb for ground beef or $60 for a turkey. Lately I have been slacking off on farmers markets and just going for the "organic" meat -- which is still about twice as expensive as the "regular" -- but I know this is an inferior product. Regular meats absolutely are bad for you, they are corn-fed and the omega3/omega6 fats balance is all out of whack, not to mention all the hormones and antibiotics.