Precision fermentation uses microorganisms to produce animal proteins including dairy proteins and egg proteins without animals. The technology has significant potential to reduce farm animal suffering at scale.
Precision fermentation represents one of the most direct potential solutions to large-scale farm animal suffering currently under development. Dairy protein production without cows eliminates not only the welfare costs of intensive dairy farming but also the systematic suffering associated with repeated pregnancy, calf separation, and early slaughter. Egg protein production without hens removes the welfare burden of billions of laying hens. The technology does not require behavioral compromise from individual animals because it requires no animals. If precision fermentation reaches price parity and achieves mainstream consumer adoption, it has the potential to displace significant volumes of conventional animal protein production with direct, proportional reduction in animal suffering.