I read with interest today that research is being carried out to find an alternative to the epoxy-fibreglass composite currently used to make computer keyboards. The current suggestion is…..soya-bean oil and feathers.

According to the professor of chemical engineering involved in the project, some 5 billion pounds (per year) of chicken feathers are currently produced in the poultry business.

First I became a little disheartened by the news : a non-vegan keyboard? Whatever next. Then I started to think about the environmental benefits, although the poultry industry is not particularly environmentally friendly. But then I read further that in the US (not Europe) chicken feathers are used as low-grade animal feed for cattle. Having doubted my vegan stance on the subject, this is the one thing in the article I, as well as many sound non-vegans, can safely shake our heads at. Cows are herbivores. They do not/should not eat animal products. We’ve seen the potential for disaster before. Mad Cow Disease, anyone?

In fairness, the USDA and Food and Drug Administration are comtemplating making this pratice illegal, but it cannot be a difficult one to make. If poultry farmers receive more money from this project, which is awaiting a $500,000 funding by the USDA, perhaps their decision will be made easier.