Abstract
Through the process of domestication the genetic make-up of farm animals can be changed by means of either selective breeding or genetic engineering. This paper is about the ethical limits to such genetic changes. It is suggested that the ethical significance of domestication has become clear recently in the light of genetic engineering, but that the problem has been there all along. Two ethical approaches to domestication are presented, genetic integrity and animal welfare. It is argued that the welfare approach is superior. Finally, five ethical hypotheses based on the welfare approach are presented.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Consensus Conference on Technological Animals, held 23–25 September 1992 at the Bella Centre in Copenhagen, Organized by the Danish Board of Technology in Cooperation with the Research Commitee of the Danish Parliament. (An English translation of the Final Document may be obtained from Teknologi-Rådet, Antonigade 4, DK-1106 Copenhagen K, Denmark phone +45 33320503, fax + 45 33910509.)
Kerstin, S.C., T.G. Knowles, A.E. Tinch, and N.G. Gregory. 1992. Prevalence of leg weakness in broiler chickens and its relationship with genotype.The Veterinary Record 131: 190–194.
Pursel, V.G., C.A. Pinkert, K.F. Miller, D.J. Bolt, R.G. Campbell, R.D. Palmiter, R.L. Brinster, and R.E. Hammer. 1989. Genetic Engineering of Livestock.Science 244: 1281–1288.
Rollin, B. 1986. Ontelos and genetic manipulation.Between the species 2: 88–89.
Sandøe, P., and H.B. Simonsen. 1992. Assessing animal welfare — where does science end and philosophy begin?Animal Welfare 1: 257–267.
Simonsen, H.B. 1993. PST treatment and leg disorders in growing swine: A welfare hazard?Livestock Production Science 36: 67–70.
Sommer, H. 1986. Die Nutztierhaltung in ihrem Konflikt zum Tierschutzgesetz. InOkologische Tierhaltung, edited by H.H. Sambraus and E. Boencke. Karlsruhe: Verlag C.F. Müller.
Strijker, R., G. Platenburg, J. Nuijens, M. Geerts, H. van Veen, A. Pronk, P. Krimpenfort, W. Eyestone, A. Rademakers, F. Pieper, E. Kootwijk, P. Kooiman, and H. De Boer. 1993. Production of human lactoferrin in milk of transgenic animals. InNew Perspectives in Infant Nutrition, edited by B. Renner and G. Sawatzki. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag.
Van Reenen, C.G., and H.J. Blokhuis. 1993. Investigating welfare of dairy calves involved in genetic modification: problems and perspectives.Livestock Production Science 36: 81–90.
Vorstenbosch, J. 1993. The concept of integrity.Livestock Production Science 36: 109–112.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sandøe, P., Holtug, N. & Simonsen, H.B. Ethical limits to domestication. J Agric Environ Ethics 9, 114–122 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03055297
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03055297