10-29-08

Iowa State University experts can discuss impact of California Prop 2

AMES, Iowa -- The upcoming referendum on the ballot in California that, if passed, will change how livestock is confined could have a national effect on agriculture livestock operations.

California Proposition 2 would set new standards for livestock farms, requiring all animals sufficient room to lie down, turn around and extend their legs or wings, starting in 2015. These changes would only affect animals raised in California. Strong support for the measure could encourage groups in other states to introduce similar proposals.

Several members of the Iowa State University faculty specialize in the very areas that the new laws will impact.

Suzanne Millman specializes in animal behavior, animal pain, animal cognition and motivation and teaches and conducts research at Iowa State's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Anna Johnson does research on animal well being and animal behavior in both conventional and alternative animal productions systems in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Dr. Pat Halbur is the chair of the department of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine and executive director of the veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Dr. Butch Baker is a senior clinician in the veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine department at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Jim McKean is a veterinarian working primarily in the area of swine medicine at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

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