[Veterinary care and concerns and intensive animal husbandry]

Developments in intensive animal husbandry as well as the reactions called forth by this new form of livestock husbandry in various groups of society and in research workers are reviewed in the introductory part; it was only during the past few years that veterinary medicine in the Netherlands began to concern itself with the negative effects of intensive animal husbandry on animal health and welfare. The practical situation in poultry and pig husbandry is then subjected to a critical analysis. It is concluded from a number of objective observations such as the use of pharmaceutical agents and vaccines and the appearance of particular pathological changes that limits should be imposed on growth. Reflection in veterinary medicine, resulting in the acceptance of health and welfare in animals and man, environment and economic values as equivalent factors, is advocated.