Mad Cow Madness

[WyoJim]

Seems the Brits have been studying this problem ever since it occurred in the UK. This guys reasoning seems reasonable.



http://www.markpurdey.com/the_magnetics_of_madness.htm

 

[Doc Tinker]

Who came up with the bright idea of feeding cows animal by-products? Remember Edi Amine who ate the remains of his rivals? Doesn't take much common sense to realize that there is a problem with cannibalism and something bad will come of it. What's next, Soylent Green?



Doc

 

[Bob Wagner]

lower prices on beef, fine with me

 

[15w40]

Following the news stories has me a little worried.



One report said that grass fed cows have tougher meat and adding protein in the form of recycled cows helps make it tender. This report went on to say that the brain and spinal column that are supposed to be discarded from meat destined for the super markets but will find its way into processed meats. There is a machine used to strip all the meat from bones. This shredded meat was found to contain brain and spinal column meat. I assume processed meats include things like hot dogs, baloney and maybe hamburger. I also assume the discarded brains end up in cattle feed.



One news story interviewed a cattle rancher who said he would never eat a downer (a sick cow unable to stand) but says the slaughterhouses accept them.



I hope this problem gets resolved quickly. I like beef.

 

[Rebel_Horseman]

Well here's my take on the issue.



The cattle industry has been hurting in this country for a long time now, as has agriculture in general. I think the good 'ol media has blown this way out of proportion. Yes there was 1 freaking cow that had mad cow disease. Now how in the world to you get a video tape of a cow with the disease, get the necessary blood and tissue samples for testing, THEN slaughter the animal and process it for human consumption???? That, in my mind makes no sense. If you know or even suspect the cow has a disease that can be harmful to the consumer, you quarantine it or kill it. You don't send it to the slaughter house, you don't feed it to the other cattle, you kill it and burn it.



Now that the nation is freaked out, and everyone thinks that beef is going to kill them, cattle prices are going to plummet. Now, some of you may think that's good cause now I can eat a steak for less. Unfortunately, that will mean the rancher that makes his living from that piece of meat is suffering, going bankrupt, or is flat out of business. That man's family will be million's of dollars deeper in debt just to pay the interest on the loans that he took out to start a business and follow a dream. His family is going to have to go without because they can barely afford to pay the essential bills and not take any luxuries. This is going to bring hard times harder down upon the ranchers out there, and this may spell the end for all but the largest and wealthiest ranches out there. I feel, and I pray that I'm wrong, that this may be the final nail in the coffin for the US beef industry.



For me, I've always dreamed of buying some land and raising cattle for a living in a few years. Maybe one day I'll be able to live out that dream, but right now it looks bleak.



Reb [><]

 

[aphat426]

People please don't let the media scare you! They are only telling half of the story!! I hate how they find a shock story to run with untill every body in the country is so freaked out that we are to afraid to (insert formerly fun topic here) I have a friend that used to work for a well known news station in colorado and the phrase " If it bleeds , it leads" was the montra for all media outlets. before you make up your mind on weather or not to do something do some searching on the subject. I am not saying that they don't have good points but, they often "leave" out items that would complete the point of view. NEVER let anybody make decisions for you!!! Just my . 02

 

[Steve G]

Has anyone wondered that the cow in question was a "milk cow"? What's going on with taking a milk cow to slaughter for beef?



Steve

 

[Billy Diesel]

Can MCD be spread through fluid transfer? I thought it was only spread by injesting the remains of an animal that had it, but a guy at work here swears that he heard it could be spread through fluid transfer.

Has anyone wondered that the cow in question was a "milk cow"? What's going on with taking a milk cow to slaughter for beef?

McDonalds is serving millions of people a day. Gotta build those quarter pounders and big macs some how!!

 

[Rebel_Horseman]

Milk cows, such as the Holstein in question, are often sent to the slaughter house when they are not producing. They may not put out a lot of milk, are not good candidates for breeding, and/or they are too old to breed so they are sent for slaughter.

 

[hmartin]

This mad cow disease B. S. sound like a way to choke down the farmer that has had his business passed down from the older folk before him. I smell corporate America again!