Teaching guide

Topic: Farrowing crates in swine production

Host: Holly Parks

Guest: Brian strobel a swine producer from the Tennessee pork association supporting the use of farrowing crates and guest number 2 Starrlynn Costa from PETA2 opposing the use of farrowing crates

Summary: This podcast explores the controversy surrounding farrowing crates in pig production. The host introducing the issue, explains why it sparks debate, and interviews two guest representing opposite viewpoints. The supporting guest discusses piglet safety, reduced mortality, and ecomonic challenges if crates were banned. The opposing guest address sow welfare, and ethical concerns. The episode highlights the complexity of balancing animal welfare and farm economics.

Objectives:

1. Explain the key viewpoints supporting and oppsing farrowing crates.

2. Identify the ethical, economic, and welfare related factors involved in the controversy

3. Evaluate the arguments presented by both guests and form an evidence based opinion

Pre-listening questions:

1. What do you already know about how pigs are raised on farms?

2. Why might animal housing systems create strong disagreements?

3. What factors do you think farmers consider when choosing housing for livestock?

Guided Questions:

1. What did the first guest identify as the main purpose of farrowing crates?

a. increase sow weight

b. reducing piglet mortality

c. improving farm aesthetics

d. replacing manual labor

2. What concern do critics raise about how farrowing crates limit a sow's natural behavior?

3. fill in the blank:

The supporting guest argued that banning crates would create significant __________ challenges for farmers.

4. Which alternative did the oppsoing guest suggest to improve sow welfare?

5. According to the second guest, what changes in legislation or industry practice would improve animal welfare?

Post listening Questions

1. After hearing both sides, which factors (economic, ethical, or welfare based) do you feel should carry the most weight in deciding whether farrowing crates should be used? Explain your reasoning.

2. How did each guest support their position, and which arguments did you find most convincing? why?

3. Based on the episode, What do you believe is the most realistic path forward for balancing sow welfare and piglet safety in swine production?

Rubric:

level 1 -1 pt

-response show minimal understanding

level 2 - 2 pt

- response show partial understanding and student provides some explanation

level 3 - 3 pt

- responses are detailed and well supported. Student explains and support answers well.