Tag: farm animals

Pigs provided food in the Middle Ages, but men had to watch out for their scrotums

It was quite common to have a pig in your backyard in Europe's medieval towns. But there were fines if it was allowed to roam freely, or if it bit off someone's scrotum while that person was using the outhouse.

Modern livestock barns have high levels of harmful gases

Ammonia can be harmful to both farmers and animals.

Calves not allowed to stay with their mother are more stressed and grow less well

Consumers of milk and cheese want cows and calves to stay together.

Calves need more motherly care

Calves are usually separated from cows right after birth. A new study indicates that they should get more time with their mothers.

Happy farmer, happy cow

To succeed with farm animals, you should enjoy yourself and be kind and calm. The result will be happy cows and more milk.

Jolly porkers not a Norwegian priority

Cheap meat means that Norwegians eat more of it, particularly racks of pork spareribs at Christmas. Yet few Norwegian consumers seem to care about the real cost of their pork dinners, especially when it comes to animal welfare.

Butchery law with anti-Semitic roots

The kosher method of butchery, called shechita, was fiercely debated in Norway and the rest of Europe before WWII, often with anti-Semitic undertones. Norway is one of three European countries that still forbids the practice.