SACRED COW: POLICIES TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR BEEF CATTLE THROUGH DIET

Abstract

This thesis investigates the relationship between two types of beef: grass and grain-fed, and thoroughly examines the environmental, health, and animal welfare concerns resulting from consumption of each type of beef. I first differentiate between grass-fed and grain-fed (or finished) beef and describe the myriad of negative effects that result from feeding cattle grain in large quantities to make the argument that a large-scale shift towards grass-feeding of cattle is not only preferred, but necessary to meet beef demand humanely moving forward. I also examine the negative effects of grass-fed beef and weigh them against the effects of grain-fed through the lens of the movement to improve animal welfare. I engage in a discussion on the history of agricultural subsidies and possibilities for subsidy reform, as well as barriers in the way of progress. The thesis concludes with a series of policy recommendations to help facilitate the shift towards large-scale grass-feeding of cattle, including proposals concerning subsidy reform, dietary guidelines, and ag-gag laws.