Bonding with commodities: Social constructions and implications of human–animal relationships in contemporary livestock production

Terminology used in the discourse of industrialized livestock production hasled some to characterize human–animal relationships within the animal industries as exploitive and oppressive; because the human–animal bond promotes concern for animal welfare, the apparent exclusion of that term from animal science and industry dialogue may reinforce negative perceptions and heighten concerns about livestock well-being. Although the term “human–animal bond” is not typically used in production animal agriculture, the importance of the quality of human–animal interactions on the behavior and physiology of farm animals has been well established along with its implications for animal productivity and economic returns. The close connections many people have with companion animals appear to provide a basis for concerns about animal welfare that may influence the purchasing and voting behavior of consumers relative to food animal products and issues. Those involved in production animal agriculture should consider whether their interactions with and language choices related to livestock disconnect them from some audiences and undermine perceived commitment to animal welfare by reflecting a construction of animals that is inconsistent with conceptions of them as members of mutually beneficial relationships to whom care and compassion are owed.