US 'factory farming' fight getting a research referee

Aiming to reduce the controversy between farmers and humane societies over intensive production of livestock -- or "factory farming" -- the University of Minnesota has created a new center for animal studies.

SHARE (Study of Human-Animal Relationships and Environments) is the first concentrated research on the social implications animals pose. A university official says the program will improve knowledge for sharing with livestock owners on production methods that are acceptable to organizations concerned about animal confinement and slaughter methods. Meanwhile, groups lobbying for animal rights will be made aware of the economic constraints of food production.