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Sustainability of Non-traditional Companion Animals
In the next 10 years, the changing demographics within the United States will play an important role in the diversity of food selection and agricultural practices. In addition consumer attitudes will continue to demand products that are locally grown, fresh, safe and sustainable. Changes in attitudes and purchasing behaviors over the last 10 years are reflected in the emergence of retailers and Farmer’s Markets providing a greater variety of natural and sustainable foods. The change in purchasing behavior provides an opportunity for small producers to provide sustainable and non-conventional sources of food such as specialty eggs, meats and fish, free-range or pasture-raised chickens, and artisanal cheese from goats and sheep. The entrepreneurial spirit of sustainability is not limited to food production. There is rising interest in using nutrition to increase pond and lake productivity and sustainability to meet the needs of the recreational sport fisherman. Agricultural professionals have the opportunity to provide information on nutrition, health, and management to help these enterprises develop innovative products, meet the challenges of their industry and affect their sustainability.
Keywords: Non-Traditional, Sustainable, Companion