PSY1HAE: Week 8

Animal Modification Practices

• Animal modifications by humans date back centuries; early examples include the Scythians employing gelded horses in warfare.
• Common modern practices involve castration for agricultural species like sheep, cattle, and goats to manage populations.
• Additional management practices include tail docking, beak trimming, and tooth removal to enhance animal welfare or productivity.

Artificial Selection and Insemination

• Natural selection influences reproductive success, while artificial selection is driven by human decisions.
• The first documented artificial insemination occurred in 1784 with a dog; this technique became vital for dairy cattle breeding.
• Advances in artificial insemination have created a global market for semen preservation and transport, improving breeding methods across various animal species.

Cloning Developments

• Cloning allows the creation of genetically identical organisms, exemplified by the sheep Dolly, the first cloned mammal, in 1996.
• While cloning can accelerate selective breeding, it faces obstacles such as high costs, inefficiencies, and low survival rates of clones.
• Conservation efforts have explored cloning, as seen in attempts to revive the extinct Bucardo mountain goat, although all attempts failed.

Controversies and Ethical Considerations

• Cloning raises ethical dilemmas regarding the viability of species habitats and impacts on genetic diversity.
• Cloned animals are generally barred from competing in horse sports, yet they can be highly profitable in the equestrian market.
• Pet cloning, illustrated by the case of cat Nicky, faces criticism for its high costs, especially amid the ongoing issue of euthanized shelter animals.

Genetic Research Applications

• Harvard Medical School's 'oncomouse' was genetically modified to have a high cancer predisposition, aiding drug testing.
• Questions regarding legal ownership and ethical implications arise from the existence of genetically modified organisms, particularly concerning mutations and research replication.

Assigning Value to Humans and Animals

• Individual value varies based on societal roles; for example, a PhD holder may be valued differently than a factory worker.
• Animals are appraised based on species; pets and zoo animals tend to be valued higher than agricultural or pest species.

Concepts of Value and Currency

• Money, as a form of currency, facilitates trade and value assignment but may not reflect intrinsic worth.
• Indigenous Australians prioritized tangible goods like sugar and tobacco over European coins, showing differing value perceptions.
• Larger, rarer animals often hold higher monetary value compared to smaller, more common species.

Factors Influencing Animal Value

• Quantity: More significant quantities or sizes generally enhance perceived value.
• Quality: Premium items are valued higher than larger, lesser-quality items, though perceptions of quality vary culturally.
• Rarity: Unique or exotic species attract higher desirability, increasing market value.
• Context: Societal perceptions and cultural influences heavily dictate value assignments and can shift based on local trends.

Intrinsic Value and Ethical Considerations

• Some argue that animals have innate value by virtue of life, disregarding their utility to humans or aesthetic appeal.
• Albert Schweitzer advocated for the sanctity of all life, promoting ethical treatment and recognition of intrinsic worth across species.

Critical Consumption and Future Value Assignments

• Consumers are encouraged to critically evaluate the values assigned to animal products, especially concerning animal welfare issues.
• The societal tendency to prioritize pets over livestock or pest animals exposes inconsistencies in human value assignments.
• Increased awareness of intrinsic life value may lead to shifting attitudes and values towards animals, calling for a re-evaluation of human-animal relationships.