The Omnivore's Dilemma: Chapter 4

Chapter Four of "the Omnivore's Dilemma is entitled "The Feedlot: Making Meat." In this chapter, the author, Michael Pollan, continues an attempt to follow the path of where meat comes from and how it is produced. He does this by purchasing a calf. The calf is given the name 534, which comes from it's mother, 9534, the 34th cow born in 1995. I think it's interesting that Pollan continues to call the steer by it's numerical name. I think he does this intentionally to emphasize the fact that these cattle are bread for the sole purpose of providing meat and that personal connections with them are avoided. Pollan observes 534 and describes the cattle's daily life and the effect it has on meat and on the environment. He points out problems in the way the cattle are raised and explains how the wrongdoings can lead to disease and pollution. A large number of these problems arise from the food that the cattle are given. Pollan mentions the previous affects of cows eating meat of their own species which lead to mad cow disease, but ultimately focuses on the problems that arise from cows eating corn. A big problem with cows eating corn is that it is slightly acidic, compared to the neutral stomach of the cow. This has lead to illnesses such as E-coli in humans who consume cow meat. In the end he argues that if people really knew what whas going into their meat, there would be a lot less meat eating in this country.

Discussion Questions:
1) Why does Pollan continue to refer to his steer as 534 instead of giving it a real name?
2) How do you feel about the current state of the use of antibiotics in feedlots? Pollan mentions tat overuse can lead to stronger, more resistant forms of bacteria.