[Bodger]

I'm reading this weeks Farmers Guardian and I can't believe what I'm seeing.
Fourteen year ago the use of animal protein in animal feed stuffs was banned following the horrendous outbreak of BSE in cattle. Now, the EU would appear to in the mood to reverse that decision.  :shock:  

The EU are looking into retaining the ban for feed given to ruminants but are looking at permitting its use in chicken and pig feed.
NFU poultry board chairman Charles Bourns said " From the point of view of the farmer; it would be a good thing because costs are rising and with availability of soya very low it will give producers an alternative to feed their chickens"
I on the other hand say " What about the humans who have got to eat the b****y chickens ?  :twisted:  
He then goes onto say that he's not worrried about the practice of feeding animal protein to chickens but whether or not the consumer will accept it. Back to money again, so whats different ? It was money saving that lead to dead sheep being fed to cows in the first place.  :twisted:  

Apparently its our friends in Spain and Holland that are pushing for this change in policy.

Just wait until HFW and Jamie hear about this  :-)

[blulagoo]

Isn't there a petition we can sign and email? If not why don't ou start one Bodger? (I'll join!!)

[GrannieAnnie]

Me too!!!!!!

[azubah]

I am not a farmer so don't take what I say too seriously, but why not feed meat to hens?
I seriously disagree with feeding meat to sheep and cows which are herbivores, and not designed to eat meat, but hens and pigs are omnivorous like us. Hens even eat each other. Will meat really hurt them? Pigs are resistant to BSE and I would not be surprised to hear that hens rarely get it too.
I would no sooner feed a sheep on brains than expect a cat to thrive on potatoes, but I am not so sure on hens and meat.

[Bodger]

Humans and pigs are similar and its believed that some humans have contracted BSE through eating contaminated meat.

[peggyprice]

I'd be concerned about which meat exactly would be getting into the food chain; its hardly likely to be the highest quality, and if (as I'd suspect) its going to be offal it will contain the highest concentrations of toxins/chemicals/whatever other nasties might have been fed to the beasts before slaughter.  

Personally I'll stick to veggie chickens as much as poss, thanks!

Bodger - petition - me too  

[Wildeone]

If this goes ahead i would go without!  UNLESS you could buy food that does not contain it!?!? but i guess it would be really expensive!

[azubah]

Cats and dogs eat meat every day. Does anyone know how many have come down with BSE?
It's not totally relevant as cats and dogs are not part of our food chain, but then, neither are we.
Some species and some individuals may be more susceptible than others.

[Wildeone]

Cats and dogs eat meat every day. Does anyone know how many have come down with BSE?
It's not totally relevant as cats and dogs are not part of our food chain, but then, neither are we.
Some species and some individuals may be more susceptible than others.

:?  'eh  :?:

[poultrygeist]

I think I know what you're saying.

I do happen to know of certain cases which pointed towards a link between BSE and CJD.

As you say, whether the fact that chickens are omnivores, makes them less susceptible I've no idea either. Prob depends, as pointed out, on what they are fed.

Nothing is ever a problem until it becomes a problem.  :roll:

Rob