Fisher M W, Mellor D J
Kotare Bioethics, PO Box 2484, Stortford Lodge, Hastings, New Zealand.
N Z Vet J. 2008 Jun;56(3):100-6. doi: 10.1080/00480169.2008.36817.
People have complex and diverse relationships and interactions with, and expectations of, animals; relationships which are very important. In making sense of this complexity, we draw on our values. The objective of this study was to reflect upon, develop and articulate key values guiding the genetic improvement of dairy cattle. Animal husbandry is guided by the philosophy that while animals serve our needs, we must ensure that their needs are met, and any compromises to those needs justified and minimised. In applying modern technology to the genetic improvement of animals, this philosophy should be enacted through consideration of all the broader goals of agriculture, and the ecology and biology of the farming system. It should also be informed by the differing perspectives of interested parties, including stock handlers, veterinarians, animal welfare groups, consumers, and the public. Monitoring the consequences of technology applications, managing and avoiding any harms, and considering the future of animals and ourselves, should also be part of decision making in this area. Transparent consideration of these principles will help to ensure that any compromises to animal welfare resulting from trait selection are both reasonable and necessary, and that any harms are minimised, thereby helping to safeguard continuation of the important contribution that animal agriculture, and in particular the dairy sector, makes to society.
人们与动物有着复杂多样的关系、互动以及期望，这些关系非常重要。在理解这种复杂性时，我们会借鉴自身价值观。本研究的目的是思考、发展并阐明指导奶牛遗传改良的关键价值观。畜牧业的指导理念是，虽然动物服务于我们的需求，但我们必须确保它们的需求得到满足，并且对这些需求的任何妥协都要有合理依据且减到最少。在将现代技术应用于动物遗传改良时，这一理念应通过考虑农业的所有更广泛目标以及养殖系统的生态和生物学来得以体现。它还应参考包括牲畜饲养员、兽医、动物福利组织、消费者和公众在内的相关各方的不同观点。监测技术应用的后果、管理和避免任何危害，以及考虑动物和我们人类的未来，也应成为该领域决策的一部分。对这些原则进行透明的考量将有助于确保因性状选择而对动物福利造成的任何妥协都是合理且必要的，并且将任何危害减到最少，从而有助于保障畜牧业，尤其是奶牛业对社会做出的重要贡献得以持续。
