Abstract The paper discusses the ethics of the beef industry, focusing on the question, is it ethical to produce beef for the marketplace based on the current methods found in the industry. The paper looks at the inhumane method of slaughtering animals and the issue of animal cruelty.
From the Paper "The ethical issue addressed herein posed as a question is: is it ethical to produce beef using the current methods found in the industry. According to the Humane Farming Association HFA beef products found on grocery store ..."
Abstract This paper presents a research study that aims to understand the aroma impact compounds of cooked beef liver. The research reviews how far back the knowledge of consumption of cooked liver of any type goes and why, prior to the knowledge of its nutritional value, it was considered important to eat liver. The negative connotation to eating liver both historically and presently is reviewed as well as who actually eats liver in both the U.S. and abroad. In addition, the paper famous liver dishes are reviewed as well as the current percent consumption of liver, specifically beef liver in the U.S. and why the rate of consumption is at this level. Lastly, this research paper reviews where the remainder of the liver goes to specifically the percent that goes in animal feed and the percent that goes into consumable or non-consumable products.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Historical and Traditional Consumption of Liver
Nutritional Value of Beef Liver
Beef Liver Consumption in the United States
Raw Beef Liver Consumption
Beef Liver Recipes
Liver with Sour Cream)
Vitamins and Minerals in Beef Liver
Review of the Literature
From the Paper "There are two primary methods of raw beef liver consumption. The first method is to freeze the liver for two weeks after cutting into large chunks. The fourteen days of freezing is to make sure that pathogens and parasites are eliminated. The liver can be removed from the freeze and grated. The second method is cutting the liver into small pill-size chunks and after freezing for two weeks taking the liver the same as swallowing vitamins. Razaitis states that suggestions given by a Native Nutrition discussion group for liver preparation."
Abstract In this article the writer discusses that the primary reasons for imposing bans on U.S. beef products concern health issues relating to hormone-treated beef products. The writer also looks at the potential for human consumption of potentially harmful beef products resulting from cattle diseases such as Mad Cow. The writer points out that there are some politically charged factors involved in this issue. Further, the writer maintains that the U.S. beef industry is the leading competitor in this industry in the global marketplace, but the agricultural industry in general has been adversely affected in years past because of arbitrary bans from key trading partners such as the European Union. The writer notes that such bans may be based on a number of factors, including cultural perceptions of quality, politically motivated initiatives and the potential threats represented by cattle-borne diseases such as Mad Cow that are amplified by urban legend and the mainstream media. The writer concludes that the importance of the European Union to U.S. exporters means that such bans will have to be justified by more than just cultural lip service in the future, and U.S. exporters are going to increasingly demand that the Europeans put their money where they mouths are - literally.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Factors Influencing Trade Decisions for U.S. Beef Products
Conclusion
From the Paper "From the perspective of the U.S. beef industry, the European Union's standard is simply a politically motivated trade barrier that provides no actual health protection for European consumers but rather serves to inflate for them; by sharp contrast, the European controversy is fairly longstanding and began during the 1970s when a series of health scares in Europe caused created an atmosphere in which the public was increasingly concerned about the potential side effects of eating beef products that had been treated with hormones. A number of stories in the European press linked the consumption of hormone-treated beef to hormone-related health problems and some of the accounts simply fueled the fires with increasingly skeptical European consumers."
Abstract This paper explains that the dispute over beef hormones between the United States and the European Union has been ongoing for two decades, escalating to a ban on American beef treated with hormones, despite scientific studies supporting the fact that certain approved growth hormones posed no public health threat. The author points out that the pandemonium in the E.U. started in the early 1980s over synthetic hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES), which was banned in the United States in 1979 because of its links to cancer and birth defects, was detected in some imported baby food made with veal. The paper shows, therefore, that four European countries prohibited all hormone use in cattle, which eventually led to the ban of American beef. The paper relates that the core of the difference is that American consumers and authorities have embraced technological breakthroughs relating to foodstuffs; whereas, the Europeans tend to shy away from such advancements: In the end, the beef hormone dispute appears to be at a stalemate.
From the Paper "The use of certain growth hormones in the American beef industry was a common occurrence in the 1970s and 1980s. American farmers saw the immediate benefits of growing beefier beef cattle and enthusiastically accepted the practice. The growth hormones, used by the United States, are actually a pellet that is implanted under the animal's skin, behind the ears. This time-release capsule slowly releases the hormones over the period of several weeks, during significant stages of growth. The cost effectiveness of this process is significant"
Abstract The paper discusses how the beef industry is the largest sector in American agriculture and has many detrimental effects on the environment. Americans typically eat large quantities of red meat and consequently have a high rate of heart disease and obesity. The paper includes statistics from the American Heart Association, the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Furthermore, it shows that working conditions in meatpacking plants are among the most dangerous of any industry in the country. This paper also examines the inhumane treatment of cattle. Lastly, it provides alternatives and solutions for the environmental and human health problems associated with beef production, including pasture-based farming and grassfed beef.
From the Paper "T-Bone, Porterhouse, Ribeye, Skirt Steak, Center-cut Sirloin, Chuck Roast, Tenderloin?any one of these items could rightly bear the title of ?All-American Entree.? Or how about a steamy rack of ribs, smothered in hickory-smoked barbeque sauce? Prime rib, with a little horseradish and a baked potato on the side? Meaty five alarm chili topped with Monterey jack? The American taste for beef knows no bounds. Each year, the US produces more beef than any other nation in the world, consuming an average of 116.7 lbs per capita. Compared with an average of only 68.4 lbs of poultry, and 47.8 lbs of pork per capita eaten each year in America, it is fair to say that we have a cultural preference toward eating cows. No other country boasts menu items like the 1 lb hamburger topped with cheddar, swiss, and grilled onions at Fuddrucker's Restaurants, or the 72-ounce top sirloin at the Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo, TX. Finish it, and they"ll pick up the tab for you. With this kind of love for beef, it is no wonder the US red meat industry produced 26,492 lbs in 1999, making it the largest sector of our agricultural economy. But beef doesn"t stop at the table?aside from gelatin, beef by-products are used in pharmaceuticals, adhesives and anti-corrosives, just to name a few. A closer look at the mass production and consumption of red meat in America today reveals alarming situations both environmentally and in terms of human health. Technical developments in cattle-raising practices involve the use of hormones and antibiotics and consequently trying to push animals past their normal biological functions. Natural resources are taxed by beef production, and the broad picture illustrates a high degree of inefficiency. Modern meatpacking plants are not keeping pathogens out of the beef, and working conditions are far too dangerous. The entire system, from the ranch, to the feedlot, to the slaughterhouse, to the store, restaurant, and plate, is riddled with problems. It is time we find alternatives to help alleviate this American beef dilemma."
Abstract The writer of this well-researched paper details the health risks which can and do result, due to the use of hormones in the beef produced in America and around the world. This paper traces the use of hormones in beef back to the 1970s, when the U.S. began using hormones to accelerate the growth rate of animals in an effort to conserve time and money. The writer contends that over 95% of the cattle in the U.S. are currently being administered growth promoting hormones. This paper examines the ongoing conflict between the U.S., the European Union and Canada over the ban on cattle products produced with growth hormones. Since the 1950s, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been researching the effects of growth hormones and it, as well as other scientific experts, have found that there is no difference between beef raised on hormones and those raised without. This paper delves into the various FDA laws which permit the use of hormones in restricted amounts. The writer of this paper also focuses on the health risks involved with the ingestion of these hormones. Scientists and health experts contend that any increase in the level of hormones, above that which occurs naturally in humans, carries a potential risk of carcinogenic effects.
From the Paper "Beginning in the 1970's the United State's meat industry began using hormones to improve the growth rate of animals in an effort to conserve time and money. In 1981, the European Union began restricting the use of growth hormones within the Union itself, and also began restricting the import of meat and meat products derived from cattle that had been given hormones. During the past years, the European Union have updated and/or amended its regulations several times, generally to include more hormones, however, for the most part, the regulations have remained the same. The dispute at the World Trade Organization concerns the use of six scientifically approved hormones used for cattle growth promotion, estradiol, melengestrol acetate, progesterone, testosterone, trenbolone acetate, and zeranol."
Abstract This paper explores the social, economic and political consequences of beef, as depicted in Jeremy Rifkin's "Beyond Beef: the Rise and Fall of the Cattle Culture".
Abstract This paper is on the argument of restaurants using beef have higher sales than restaurants selling only vegetarian. The argument is that people love beef more.
Abstract This paper examines the journey of the cow from birth to beef, with statistics from various sectors of the industry. It looks at how the journey from the cow-calf operator to the feedlot to the slaughterhouse to the market, i.e., the journey of a cow from birth to plate, is a long, complicated one. It examines how beef is a big industry in the United States and how, all along the chain of events, people are making money off the cow.
From the Paper "While on the cow-calf farm, the cows and the calves are subject to several processes and conditions that are meant to ensure good health and strength, as this produces good beef. Cows are sheltered only during cold, wet months, as these conditions are most detrimental to their health. Normally, cows simply stay outside, using hills and trees for protection and shelter. This is not cruel; cows do just fine under these natural conditions. The cow-calf operator will also want to ensure that his or her cows and calves are protected from disease. Therefore, vaccinations are extremely important in this type of operation. Cows and calves must be vaccinated against a host of common organisms and diseases that can cause them harm and affect the quality of the beef."
Abstract The objective of this work is to explore the aspects of raising beef cattle for 'profit' in the area of the United States that is comprised of Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and other areas of the Southeastern United States. It examines the factors that have the potential to affect costs and profits and ultimately examines the feeding methods through a compare and contrast analysis of 'grain' fed cattle and 'grass' fed cattle in relation to cost, health and profitability.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Changes in the Cattle Business over the Past Two Decades
Challenges and Difficulties in Raising Beef Cattle Herds
Profit And Loss Considerations in Raising Beef Cattle
Grain-Fed versus Grass/Pasture-Fed Beef Nutritional Differences in Grass- And Grain-Fed Beef Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The cattle business is not a livelihood that can be scheduled on a clock for indeed just as the beef cattleman has decided to head in from the barns and fields it is time for a calf to be born, or a calf has been born and rejected by its' mother requiring bottle-feeding every few hours and around the clock. Other difficulties are illustrated in the fence that the cattle broke at 3:00 a.m. or the sick cow that must be 'put down' in order to keep infection from the rest of the herd. While the cattle business is rewarding and has the potential to be, very profitable it is not a business for those who tend to be lackadaisical or for the faint at heart. "
A review of a study, "Semen Quality of Fertile U.S. Males in Relation to Their Mothers' Beef Consumption During Pregnancy," by S.H. Swan, F. Liu, J.W. Overstreet, C. Brazil and N.E. Skakkebaek, on the effect of diet on pregnancy.
Abstract The paper is a review of a study on the effect of diet on pregnancy and discusses the relation of men's semen parameters to their mothers' intake of beef during their pregnancies. The study, "Semen Quality of Fertile U.S. Males in Relation to Their Mothers' Beef Consumption During Pregnancy," by S.H. Swan, F. Liu, J.W. Overstreet, C. Brazil and N.E. Skakkebaek, which is included with this paper, is well-documented with references and tables. The paper relates that partners of pregnant women took part in the study and recorded whether the male's mother had consumed beef or not and whether or not the consumption of beef during pregnancy had any effect on their son's fertility.
Outline:
Methodological Aspects
Research Design
Methods
Interpretive Aspects
Ethical Aspects
From the Paper "How were issues of reliability and validity of the measures adequately addressed? The deciding variables for the subjects were analyzed statistically, and the mother's beef consumption was compared with their son's recorded sperm concentration. Sub fertile men's sperm concentration was examined in relation to the amount of beef their mothers consumed during pregnancy, and all men's sperm count was transformed with a logarithmic base 10 in order to distribute the parameter more evenly. Other factors taken into consideration in the analysis were the men's age, smoking, alcohol, body mass index (BMI), history of STD, abstinence time, and their own meat consumption. The mother's age, whether or not she smoked, whether or not she nursed her son and her meat consumption were initially examined in the model. This selection of variants was based on their proven importance in past studies, biological plausibility, sufficient numbers and evidence of the effect on the strength of the association with beef consumption."
Abstract This paper describes an experiment conducted on a two-year old cocker spaniel to determine its food preferences. The paper reports that the study determined that dogs do exhibit food preferences, and in this case, have clearly shown a preference for beef hot dogs over chicken hot dogs. The paper describes the methodology and the details of the results. The paper points out that results of this study indicate that dog food not only should contain the needed vitamins and minerals but also should be gastronomically appealing to dogs so that pet owners will find little resistance when feeding them. The paper includes two tables.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Methodology
Test Animal
Food Preparation
Feeding Session
Data Gathering
Results
Table 1. Amount of Beef or Chicken Hotdog Consumed in Grams
Table 2. Summary
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "During the first day of the study, it was observed that the dog had initially tasted almost equal portions of both the beef and chicken hot dogs, showing no outward preference for one over the other. During the second day of the study, the dog now preferred the beef hot dogs over the chicken, consuming twice the portion of the beef hot dog (55 grams and 45 grams of beef hot dog over 17 grams and 27 grams of chicken hot dog) during both feeding sessions. At this point, the researchers' fear that the dog would show no outward preference for either kind of hotdog were put to rest."
Abstract This paper presents an examination of two disciplines and how they approach and address similar issues. The writer explores the destruction of the Amazon rain forest from the perspective of the commercial beef growers ,as well as the perspective of the ecological advocates.
From the Paper "As the world becomes more crowded it is becoming evident that decisions have to be made regarding resources available to mankind. With the advancement of the world today, and the globalization efforts expand the desire to provide for man now and prepare for the future are beginning to clash. One of the points of controversy is the Amazon Rain Forest because of its dual capability. The Amazon Rain Forest is currently providing areas for cattle to graze which of course provides food for the immediate need, however, the Rain Forest also has a large potential impact on the survival of mankind in the future as long as it is not destroyed today. The tug of war between the cattle ranchers, who are clearing the land now and the ecologists who are trying to stop the destruction of the forest has continued for years. Sociological and Ecological themes hit heads as the arguments and vying for first position continue."
Abstract This paper is a historical look at the geographical diffusion of three food ingredients: beef, black beans and broccoli. The paper details a short history with statistics for each individual food ingredient to show its commercial and dietary development. It then compares the diffusion of the three, to judge which was the most successful ingredient.
Abstract The paper discusses the shocking incidence of obesity in children that is growing at a rapid rate. The paper asserts that something must be happening to cause this epidemic besides the abundance of food. The paper relates a personal account of a family with five children whose diet affected their weight, their eventual height and their health. The paper believes that the high rate of obesity is caused by the kinds of sugar-loaded, fatty foods the nation's children tend to eat and also, perhaps, by the hormones that is put in their beef and meat.
From the Paper "Obesity in childhood is a recent problem. Not so long ago, in the '60s and '70s, less than 5% of children were overweight. By the '80s and '90s the percentage had doubled and today it is up to 15%, so three times as many children are seriously overweight as there were in the '60's. "Morbid Obesity" does not describe a sad, fat kid, but a child who is in danger of dying because of too much body weight (Belsky, p. 145).
"One of the reasons for overweight children today is lack of exercise. Since there are fewer gym programs in schools these days because of the emphasis on academics. Children watch TV instead of playing outside because parents are afraid for them to play where there is danger; instead, children sit for hours and play computer games, rather than running and playing with other children (Belsky 146)."
