Selective Breeding-Man Made Evolution

BELGIAN BLUE CATTLE - This specific breed of cow originates from Belgium and is well known for its ethical concerns due to the continuation of a genetic mutation commonly known as Doubly Muscling. This trait fits the name and affects the limits of muscle growth at the expense of fat and bone deposition, which gives it an extra defined physique. More muscles mean more beef for farmers, which is why this breed has continued despite its problems. The issue of an increased muscle mass puts extra stress upon other areas, such as its joints, to the point where even young calves have been spotted struggling with hind-leg stiffness. Pain and discomfort are to be expected with muscle issues, but other health problems follow the breed, such as a short lower jaw paired with an enlarged tongue, making it difficult for new calves to feed from their mothers. Fertility is the key problem that started ethical debates for this animal due to the fact that most pregnancies end in emergency cesareans, which are the safer option, but in the long run can cause discomfort if the mother has to have repeat surgeries. Fathers carry their own issues with fertility due to low sperm count in nearly 90% of herds, and lastly, the calves themselves randomly die from the stress on their hearts due to the problems aforementioned. Issues like this are natural, but humanity bred this mutation to dangerous levels simply to keep up with the demand for meat, and thankfully, governments began to recognise the dangers of this type of breeding. 

BRACHYCEPHALIC DOG BREEDS - Dog breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs and pit bulls carry this flat-faced gene, which affects their breathing due to their twisted airways and soft palate, but this constant breathing issue is worrying to the point of needing surgeries to alleviate discomfort. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is mostly characterised by respiratory issues that either obstruct or fully block the animal's airway. This is more common in animals aged 3 to 4, but it can be diagnosed in severe cases of younger pups. Symptoms can start with shortness of breath or exercise intolerance and end with low blood oxygen levels or collapse, and in the worst of the worst, death. The malformations that can show in BOAS can cause airway resistance and increase pressure in the upper airways when they attempt to breathe. This resistance can cause inflammation within the throat, including the airway (trachea), which has a risk of collapse, inducing suffocation to the pup. Panting is caused by restricted flow, but forcing air through a smaller tube only triggers panic, stress and overheating. Surgery can be needed, which focuses on widening airflow and reducing discomfort. Reasons why this mutation was bred are debated, whether it was originally for vanity or for the idea that a shorter snout promised a stronger bite, but nowadays, the short, painful muzzle and large eyes are seen as cute, which is why the breeding has only worsened with demand. Talk has been made to better the breed standard overall, but no laws have been passed to enforce it.