The farming of animals for meat and milk confronts a stark dilemma. While world demand from a growing and more affluent human population is increasing rapidly, there are strong counter-arguments that we should eat less meat and pay more attention to environmental protection, animal welfare and human health and well-being.

The aim of this book is to identify and explain the causes and contributors to current problems in animal husbandry, especially those related to 'factory farming', and advance arguments that may contribute to its successful re-orientation. Husbandry is considered in its broadest sense, namely the productive and sustainable use of the land for the good of all (plants, humans and other animals).

The first part of the book outlines principles and arguments necessary to engage with current problems: depletion of natural resources and destruction of environment, animal welfare, food and health, fair trade and sharing resources. These arguments are illustrated by examples and sufficient evidence to justify the argument without obscuring the message. The second part presents a series of constructive proposals for change and development in animal husbandry, both in the developed world and subsistence agriculture. These include more integrated crop and livestock farming systems, the ethics of animal welfare and environmental management, and the evolution of a new social contract whereby the rights of the people to a fair share of good, safe food and a green and pleasant land are matched by a shared responsibility to preserve these things.
Reviews

"[John Webster] is someone who has always used his in-depth expertise and forensic analytical skills to build a bigger picture – indeed, a comprehensive and internally consistent worldview. And the three central elements in that worldview (efficiency in the use of resources; humanity in the management of farm animals; sustainability in the stewardship of the living environment) provide the anchor points abundance of ‘specific issues’ that John addresses in this text." – Jonathon Porritt, excerpt from the 'Animal Husbandry Regained' foreword

"Both challenging and inspiring, Animal Husbandry Regained is surely John Webster’s magnum opus. Here he makes a convincing and lucid case for placing compassion – for people, animals and the environment – at the heart of global food and farming policy and practice." – Joyce D’Silva, Ambassador for Compassion in World Farming, UK

"A timely and comprehensive book illustrating the central value of animals to agricultural systems and landscapes. Brim full of authoritative analysis and data that tie together the critical issues of justice, efficiency and sustainability in animal husbandry." – Professor Jules Pretty, University of Essex, UK and author of Agri-Culture (2002) and The Earth Only Endures (2007)

"After decades of neglect, the educated public has turned its attent...