IIRC an analysis was done of the cost to administer opioids to livestock at scale and it winds up at pennies a pound. The only reason we don’t is negative consumer perception (appreciable quantities do not wind up in the consumed meat), similar to irradiation vs additives for food preservation. Animal charities have been reluctant to pursue further research because of fear of pushing a narrative that makes it okay/gives people an ethical out since opioids don’t actually eliminate all the suffering just alleviate some fraction. There is similar contention around ‘improved’ living standard for the livestock.
IIRC an analysis was done of the cost to administer opioids to livestock at scale and it winds up at pennies a pound. The only reason we don’t is negative consumer perception (appreciable quantities do not wind up in the consumed meat), similar to irradiation vs additives for food preservation. Animal charities have been reluctant to pursue further research because of fear of pushing a narrative that makes it okay/gives people an ethical out since opioids don’t actually eliminate all the suffering just alleviate some fraction. There is similar contention around ‘improved’ living standard for the livestock.
Do you have a link to that analysis?
I tried to track it down but could not. There appear to be some incentives fueling development in this area. (http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2015-04-21/oral-pain-relief-cattle/6409468)