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In the hidden corners of equine exploitation, pregnant mares endure the dark practice of blood farming. Join us as we uncover the ethical dilemmas surrounding this controversial industry, exposing the harsh realities faced by these vulnerable creatures.
Introduction
In the shadows of equine exploitation, a controversial and ethically questionable practice has surfaced – "blood farming." This involves exploiting pregnant female horses, disdainfully referred to as blood mares, for their blood. In this blog post, we will delve into the harsh reality of blood farms, exposing the motives behind this practice, its ramifications, and the passionate debates within the animal welfare community.
The utilisation of blood mares is rooted in a voracious demand for PMSG, a hormone instrumental in various reproductive technologies. It is routinely employed to induce super-ovulation in livestock such as cows, pigs, and sheep, optimising breeding programs and maximising offspring numbers. Moreover, PMSG is a crucial component in the production of specific vaccines.
What are "Blood Farms"?
Blood farms are establishments where pregnant mares are confined Their lives are commodified for the extraction of blood. The extracted blood contains valuable hormones, with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) taking centre stage. This hormone is a key ingredient in certain medications and vaccines, particularly in reproductive technologies within the agricultural industry.
Cruel Realities for Blood Mares
While blood mares play a pivotal role in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, serious concerns persist regarding the ethical treatment of these animals. The blood extraction process involves the insertion of large needles into the jugular vein, a physical and emotionally distressing experience for the mares.
One particularly disturbing aspect is that blood mares are in a constant state of pregnancy during the blood extraction process. It has been proven that consecutive pregnancies cause diseases, malformation, and eventually cancer. Advocates for this industry argue that such procedures are generally safe, but opponents contend that more research is imperative to comprehend the long-term toll on the well-being of blood mares and their unborn foals.
Regulatory Gaps, Advocacy, and Alternatives
The outcry surrounding blood farms underscores the need for stringent regulations to ensure the humane treatment of these animals. Animal welfare groups and advocates are demanding increased transparency, enhanced living conditions, and the exploration of alternative methods for PMSG production that spare pregnant mares from this exploitative process.
In response to the ethical dilemma of blood farming, there is a burgeoning effort to discover alternatives that prioritise the well-being of animals. Researchers are delving into synthetic alternatives to PMSG and exploring methods to obtain the hormone without subjecting pregnant mares to distressing procedures. The pursuit of these alternatives signals a potential shift towards a more compassionate and sustainable approach to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.
Conclusions
The covert world of blood farming, where pregnant mares are mercilessly exploited for their blood, poses severe ethical challenges. While the practice fulfils vital functions in various industries, the stark reality of animal exploitation cannot be dismissed. Ongoing research, advocacy campaigns, and the quest for alternatives may pave the way for a more ethical and humane approach to meeting the demands of the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.
We are reading another sad chapter from the thick book about the suffering of so-called "farm animals" in the animal industry. Even if it hurts so much that I want to scream with rage and pain, the facts described here must be mentioned. Thank you Caterina for making blood farms your topic.
Unfortunately, the use of PMSG in pig fattening is also common practice here in Germany, as it is throughout the EU. Animal welfare organizations are running up against the closed doors of powerful farmers' associations and politicians.
I dream of a world without man-made animal suffering. Even if I won't live to see it, I'll do my best to make it happen. For example with education, like you…