Caution: these mages a very hard to look at!
The animal protection association L214 is decrying the use of cannules inserted into the stomach of cows at an animal nutrition research centre in the Sarthe region of France.
The research centre in question belongs to the Sanders company - a subsidiary of the Avril group.
The Avril group and the National Institute of Agronomic Research (Inra) defended the procedure by saying it was a long-established practise, which was necessary for animal research. The cannule covers a 15 cm (approx) wide hole in the cow’s stomach through which scientists can take samples or place other samples of food into the animal’s stomach.
L214 has accused the company of wanting to make the animals as productive and profitable as possible, regardless of any risks to their health. Avril group, on the other hand, stated in a press release that they were saddened by the manipulative and sensationalist nature of the published images.
They assured that the research would allow for the application of new practices and that the research was done under rigorous veterinary supervision. They added that this was currently the only way to study vegetable protein digestion. This research might be able to benefit the digestive health of millions of cows.
Aside from the obvious ethical issues around a 15 cm wide hole in the cows’ stomachs, L214 also highlighted that the general living conditions of the cows, calves, chickens and rabbits at the centre were “deplorable”.
L214 stated that they are raising a complaint about this company, and calling on the government to render such practises illegal. When questioned by AFP, the prosecutor in Mans, said on Thursday morning that he not received any complaint.
The longer version of the study can be viewed here:
