Cannuck.
You seem to be assuming that all vegetarians and vegans have chosen the lifestype on scientific grounds. While some vegans and vegetarians do argue based on eccological and nutritional grounds (both of which can be legitimate if factual), it is not true that this is the case for all vegans and vegetarians.
When I'd first chosen to switch to vegetarianism and later veganism, it was on compassionate grounds. Sure I'd done research to find out if it was healthy, so yes there was a scientific basis there. But that was after having decided to consider vegetarianism and then veganism, not as a primary cause.
Now science aside, but just going from my own experience, I'd say that my thinking is clearer than when I eat meat. I also feel more energetic. In the beginning I always felt hungry and so ate more but graduallly began to eat less once I'd gotten used to it.
And there was a question above as to whether vegetarians feel colder in winter. I'd say that was the case for me, but again there are simple solutions. Eat more hot food, drink warm water, etc. Not a big problem.
And yes, I do know the other side of thestory too. As a kid I ate alot of meat, went fishing and then went hunting. I didn't like any of it, mainly on compassionate grounds.
I should also point out that not everything in life can be answered by science alone. Let's face it, eugenics is efficient. It can be proven to be so economically and logistically. But are we going to recommend it just because it's 'scientific'? Obviously not. Morals,ethics and spirituality can answer questions that science simply cannot.
As for changing animal husbandry practices, I used to hunt. The animals were freerange until their death. I always aimed for the heart or the head depending on the animal.Yet even if it appeared that the animal didn't suffer, I still didn't like the idea of killing it when another option existed. I've never worked on a farm before, but common sense would dictate that there are only so many ways of killing an animal. Even if you can avoid pain, the principle still remains.
To suggest that we must adhere to science alone in making decisions and that it si silly to take moral and other factors into consideration is highly myopic to say the least.
