A n i m a l W r i t e s © sm
The official ANIMAL RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Publisher ~ EnglandGal@aol.com
Issue # 09/20/00
Editor ~ JJswans@aol.com
Journalists ~ Park StRanger@aol.com
~
MicheleARivera@aol.com
~ SavingLife@aol.com
THE EIGHT ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1 ~ Summary of the Report: 'The Use, Trade
and Harvest of Livestock Sera'
by C.E.A. Jochems -
cjochems@user.diva.nl
2 ~ Do I Go Home Today? - by Sandi Thompson
3 ~ Desolate Plain of Humanity - by Diana Moreton
- tapster@mindspring.com
4 ~ Baked Eggplant - by Corrynthia@aol.com
5 ~ Sharing Donations & Supplies
6 ~ World Farm Animals Day 2000
7 ~ Rescue Angels (poem)
8 ~ Quote To Remember
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Summary of the Report:
'The Use, Trade and Harvest of Livestock Sera'
by C.E.A. Jochems - cjochems@user.diva.nl
Report, 1997, Utrecht University and
Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands
Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is the most widely used serum in the culturing of
cells, tissues and organs in vitro, in industry, medicine, and science. It can
be used for nearly every cell type. Countries which harbour facilities involved
in fetal blood harvest for (commercial) FBS production include: Canada, the
USA, Honduras, Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, South Africa,
France, Sweden, Hungary, Estland, Lithuania, Letland, the Czech Republic,
Slovakia, Australia, New Zealand, probably Mexico, probably Paraguay, would
include Russia, possibly Spain, possibly Namibia - Botswana - Zimbabwe.
Bovine fetuses used for FBS harvest come available from extensively kept meat
cattle (herds are always sent to slaughter in their entirety, whether or not
cows are pregnant is not determined), from pregnant cattle sent to slaughter
for reasons of unavoidable culling (e.g. due to accident resulting in
crippleness), and possibly from cattle which are deliberately made pregnant for
the production of FBS. The latter would take / have taken place in Hungary, the
Baltic States, and possibly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In all other
countries -- except Honduras - fetuses are derived from pregnant meat cattle.
In Honduras, fetuses would only be derived from pregnant cull cows. In the USA
fetuses are derived both from pregnant meat cattle and cull cows. Countries
which do explicitly not harbour facilities in which fetal blood is harvested
for (commercial) FBS production include: Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, the
Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria,
Switzerland, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia. Countries not
mentioned above have not been investigated. The mondial supply of raw FBS would
be approximately 500,000 litre's per annum.
When during evisceration of the mother bovine as part of the regular slaughter
procedure, a fetus is discovered, it may be used for FBS harvest. The blood
from bovine fetuses which are used for FBS production is usually obtained by
means of a cardiac puncture (all countries mentioned above, except Uruguay);
alternatively, it may be harvested by means of umbilical vein puncture
(Uruguay, Australia), or puncture of the jugular vein (Brazil). A cardiac
puncture is the method of preference for septical reasons. The fetal heart must
still be beating in order to harvest blood for FBS production purposes by means
of cardiac or umbilical cord puncture, in order to pump the blood outside the
body.
The time that elapses between death of the mother bovine on the slaughter line,
and the performance of a cardiac or umbilical cord puncture is stated to be ± 5
minutes (Chile, serum harvesting company; Brazil, serum harvesting company;
USA, former USDA inspector) and ± 25-30 minutes (Australia, serum harvesting
companies and relevant authority; New Zealand, relevant authority; South
Africa, harvesting company; Sweden, relevant authority). Note that authorities
get their information from the companies involved in harvesting. The term of
25-30 minutes may be doubted however, as this statement was usually accompanied
by the information that the fetal heart would not function at the time of
cardiac puncture and the fetus would be dead. It was argued that the fetus dies
at approximately the same time as does the mother. This does not seem probable,
as fetuses and neonates of mammals are remarkably resistant to lack of oxygen
supply.
A bovine fetus never receives anesthesia prior to a bleeding procedure. Mammal
fetuses can feel pain, depending on the maturity of the nervous system. Bovine
fetuses used for FBS harvest are usually at least 6 months of gestational age,
though fetuses may be used as soon as 3 months gestation. Pain may be felt at
the cortical level, and in the absence of a functional cortex, in the
thalamus. Moreover, the pain threshold
increases gradually during life, i.e. fetuses are more vulnerable to pain than
are neonates, which are more vulnerable to pain than adults. The assessment of
the extent of discomfort a bovine fetus endures as a result of a bleeding
procedure is hampered by the lack of oxygen in the fetus at the moment of
bleeding. Lack of oxygen (anoxia), probably interferes with pain sensation.
Moreover, cerebral anoxia is a common means of inducing unconsciousness in
animals postpartum. The resistance of a mammal fetus to lack of oxygen
increases with decreasing gestational age. As there are too many variables
which influence the fetal physiologic state (e.g. maternal pre-slaughter
stress, effects of hypoxia like redistribution of blood flows to the brain
(brain stem), heart (myocardium), and adrenals (catecholamine production),
maturity at the moment of bleeding) it is not possible to explicitly quantify
the amount of discomfort in the fetus associated with a bleeding procedure.
Altogether, considering the high severity in adults of exsanguination in
itself, and a cardiac puncture in itself, it is stated that it cannot be
excluded that a bovine fetus of the appropriate gestational age (3-4 months),
used for FBS harvest by means of cardiac or umbilical cord puncture,
experiences low, moderate, or (very) severe pain or suffering from the bleeding
procedure. Therefore, it may be suggested to destruct the fetal brain prior to
the performance of a cardiac or umbilical cord puncture by means of a
penetrative captive bolt, what can be considered a form of euthanasia.
However, a bovine fetus is currently never exposed to any technique rendering
it insensible to noxious stimuli prior to bleeding. It remains to be seen if
this will happen in the short future. Thus, an ethical problem exists which is
related to the use of FBS. The fact that the fetus may endure pain or suffering
from a bleeding technique affects the niche which in vitro techniques currently
occupy as an alternative in animal experimentation. Additionally, many cells,
tissues or organs cultured in vitro for research or production purposes are
derived from animals which were killed for the purpose of obtaining these
materials. Animals which are killed for the purpose of obtaining their cells,
tissues or organs are considered experimental animals according to animal
experimentation legislation in many countries.
The ethical problem related to FBS is not the only concern related to its use
for the culturing of cells, tissues or organs in vitro. Worries over its costs,
availability, quality (contamination, support of cell growth), imprecise
molecular composition (batch-to-batch variation) and ethical quality stimulate
the search for methods to culture cells without FBS. A final concern might
involve the malpractices reported in FBS trade. The consumer may be saddled
with a product which is not of the geographical origin he desired (e.g. there
seems to be more 'New Zealand' labeled FBS available than is harvested there).
Other (incidental?) malpractices include the diluting of New Zealand FBS with
FBS from a cheaper geographical origin, and supplying FBS from countries which
do not have facilities in which FBS is harvested (including Finland, the UK,
the Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, and part of the
French-originating FBS). The true geographical origins of these sera have a
less favourable bovine disease status than e.g. Finland. The disease status of
the geographical origin determines the price of the serum for the consumer.
Selling a product as being of a geographical origin it is not of, is an offense
of Dutch Law.
Cells, tissues or organs can be cultured in vitro in the absence of FBS.
However, the cell type(s) concerned determine the optimum serum (substitute)
and concentration. Substitutes for FBS include synthetic media (cell type
specific), and reduced-serum media (broader applicability then synthetic
media). Fetal horse and fetal pig serum cannot be considered FBS alternatives
on ethical grounds, as they are also usually harvested by cardiac puncture.
Otherwise, cells can be cultured in the presence of culture medium containing
sera from newborn calves (NCS), donor livestock, and sera obtained at slaughter
from non-donor animals. Finally, cells can be cultured properly in the presence
of culture medium containing a specific fraction of bovine colostrum. The
altered compositions of FBS substitutes may influence cell characteristics, and
suggests that certain in vitro experiments would have to be redone after having
switched to an FBS substitute. From an ethical point of view, the use of NCS is
not recommendable as a substitute for FBS. New Zealand NCS is ethically
disputable because of the adverse side effects for both calf and mother animal
related to induction of parturition. Mishandling of newborn calves has been
reported from Mexico, Hungary and Brazil. Concerns over this issue remain.
Therewith, the use of NCS as a substitute for FBS does not seem recommendable,
unless beyond doubt from a geographical origin where proper newborn calf
treatment would be assured (e.g. Canada, or Australia). The Severity Index
values for the procedures of blood harvest are the lowest for sera obtained
from donor animals, sera from non-donor livestock obtained at slaughter (not
induced calves), and single blood harvest of newborns (not induced calves).
Note that post natal vertebrates used for blood harvesting usually come under
animal experimentation legislation.
Vertebrate fetuses used for experiments c.q. procedures are only subject to
relevant protective legislative measures in New Zealand (the 2nd and 3rd
trimester of gestation) the United Kingdom (the 2nd half of gestation), and
Australia (not defined). South Africa does not yet have protective legislative
measures for the protection of animals used for scientific procedures, but a
specially designed guideline has been adopted by many institutes. This code
also protects vertebrate fetuses (not defined). In those countries, FBS harvest
by cardiac puncture or umbilical cord puncture would be considered a procedure.
It may be worth noting that authorities and the serum industry of those
countries which do protect mammal fetuses in their legislation on the use of
animals for scientific procedures, all stated that the fetus is dead c.q. that
the fetal heart is not functioning anymore at the time of cardiac puncture.
Altogether, the use of livestock sera does not free the consumer of ethical
considerations. The weighing of an in vitro experiment requiring blood serum
might be suggested (e.g. human interest vs. animal discomfort from bleeding).
For more information on this subject, visit the following website:
NCA-
The Netherlands Centre Alternatives to Animal Use
http://prex.las.vet.uu.nl/nca
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Do I Go Home Today?
by Sandi Thompson
submitted by: Silvermill@email.msn.com
My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm. They played with
me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the little girls and boys. The children
loved to feed me; they gave me special treats. They even let me sleep with them
-- all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day. They even fought to hold the
leash, I'm very proud to say! These are the things I'll not forget -- a
cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter -- without my family. They used to laugh and praise
me when I played with that old shoe. But I didn't know the difference between
the old one and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rug, for hours we would tug. So I thought I did the
right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug. They said I was out of control and
would have to live outside. This I didn't understand, although I tried and
tried!
The walks stopped one by one; they said they hadn't the time. I wish that I
could change things; I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely in the backyard, on a chain. I barked and barked all
day long to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why. They said I
caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye. If I'd only had some
training as a little pup. I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all
grown up.
"You only have one day left," I heard a worker say. Does that mean I
have a second chance? Do I go home today?
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Desolate Plain of Humanity
by Diana Moreton - tapster@mindspring.com
Like any social/ethical/moral movement, every one
of us who is genuinely concerned with ending animal consumption must also BE
proactive in sharing the compassionate message of animal pain and suffering
with the public. The deliberate concealment of animal pain and suffering is
genuinely kept from public view because of the moral and ethical implications
it would impose on human society. This is exactly the morally corrupt
foundation we seek to overturn; since we have learned to apply genuine
knowledge and logic toward ending the existence of suffering in every sentient
being.
I do not accept pervasive indifference toward animal pain and suffering any
more. I do not buy into the phlegmatic theory of human domination over
nonhuman any more. This thought pattern is rooted in the evils of
speciesism, of which I am not a member of this ideology any more. Like
most who grew up in the American school system in the ‘50's and ‘60's, I was
taught to evolve rapidly into a numbed, indifferent state of heart and mind
toward the importance of life in other species, so I, too, could exploit the
hell out of them. I also learned from outside the school system, of my superiority
and power in a dominant human world; to justify the torture and consumption of
animals at every level of behavior.
Through a series of self-orchestrated events, I grasped the reality of this
dark situation, as well as the magnitude of destruction aimed at the animal
kingdom. I have discovered within my
own psyche, I am totally opposed to the notion, and find it quite odious in my
quest to experience my life, and the lives of other sentient beings. I
admit I am actively against harm toward anyone or anything. I know and
feel the low current of pain it induces every day. It feels like I have a
bruised soul; every time I hang my head in silent remorse, and think of the
sad, old notion of the vulnerable animal suffering for all time. Sometimes the
pain is so intense I can barely contain my sorrow. I want to get primal and let
out that wicked scream; but know I must contain my sanity, strength, and
courage for the next animal victim.
When I am not actively thinking about this horribly oppressive phenomenon, the
pain level is there, but at a lower ebb. With my emotional expertise in
animal suffering, this must makes my nature seem quite odd to the millions of
uncaring and unconcerned people on our planet who go about their selfish and
pitiless business, as they were taught.
I hope to see an increase in the population of people who learn to use, and
work with, their own intuitive moral codes and instincts, rather than what they
have been systematically taught, in perpetuating animal pain and suffering,
across the desolate plain of humanity.
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Baked Eggplant
by Corrynthia@aol.com
Preheat
oven to 350 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray
(Pam). Depending on how large the eggplant is, you may need more than one
sheet.
1. Cut off both ends of the eggplant. Slice into 1/2 inch thick slices.
2. Peel the skin off each slice using a potato peeler. Cut larger
slices into half-moons.
3. Put about one cup of soy milk in a medium bowl. In another bowl,
place about two cups of bread crumbs.
4. Start by dipping each eggplant slice in the milk, then dip in bread
crumbs to completely coat. Place on prepared baking sheet. Add more
milk or bread crumbs to either bowl, if necessary.
5. When all slices are on sheet, spray tops with cooking spray.
6. Bake 30 minutes -- flip, spray with cooking spray and continue baking for
additional 15-30 minutes, until both sides are crisp.
7. Remove from oven and enjoy as is, or topped with warm tomato sauce and
shredded vegan cheese of choice.
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Sharing Donations &
Supplies
from "Rachelle at Gracie's Safe Harbor.com" -
rachelle@GraciesSafeHarbor.com
Many shelters find manufacturers, supply houses
& retailers kind enough to donate food and supplies to them at no
charge.
ShelterSupplyExchange@egroups.com is a new list to trade information on
locating such companies as well as to post info on your surplus supplies and
trade them with others for things your shelter/ companion animal welfare
organization needs more. You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
ShelterSupplyExchange-subscribe@egroups.com
This is an offshoot of the ShelterFundraising@egroups.com list in which we
exchange information and advice on holding successful fundraisers for our
shelters and rescue groups. You can subscribe to that list at: ShelterFundraising-subscribe@egroups.com
and be sure to take a look at the archives for info on very effective
fundraisers like running a microchipping clinic. You can also get info on
that at: http://www.avidid.com
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World Farm Animals Day 2000
"Putting Farmed Animal Issues Into Politics"
from: David Pryor - wfad@farmusa.org
The World Farm Animals Day 2000 campaign is in
full swing and we would be very appreciative if you would consider helping get
the message out by displaying the animated World Farm Animals Day banner on
your website. We in turn will be very happy to place a listing/banner of your
site on our links page.
This is how to display our banner on your web page:
1. Open your web page for editing.
2. Simply cut and paste the HTML code below into the position on the page
where you'd like the banner to appear.
http://www.farmusa.org/wfad/wfad-index.html
3. Save your web
page.
4. Call us at 1-888-FARMUSA if you need help.
We and the billions of animals you will be helping thank you for your
continuing activism and support.
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Rescue Angels
Author Unknown
Tail tucked between your legs,
Confusion in your eyes -
I know it's hard to understand
That someone heard your cries.
When loneliness is all you know
And pain is all you feel
And no one can be trusted,
And hunger's all too real...
That's the time the Lord sees you
And lets you know He's there
That's when He sends His messengers
The hearts that love and care.
Yes, rescuers are angels
You cannot see their wings,
They keep them neatly folded
As they do their caring things.
The medicine to make you well
Good food to make you strong,
And finally to help you learn
That hugs are never wrong.
The perfect place then must be found
The home where you can live
Secure and safe and happy
With joy to get and give.
When you reach your Forever Home,
Your place to feel whole,
The Angels smile, and off they go
To save another soul.
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Quote To Remember
"Of all the creatures ever made he (man) is the most detestable.....
He is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it
to be pain."
~~Mark
Twain (as quoted in The Extended Circle)
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Susan Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com
Animal Rights Online
P O Box 7053
Tampa, Fl 33673-7053
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/1395/
-=Animal Rights Online=-
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