Use of efficient production processes in raising animals for meat has resulted in factory farms where animals (pigs, hens, etc.) are kept in confinement at high stocking density. For example, female pigs are impregnated and kept in gestation crates (2 feet by 7 feet) for the whole 4 months of pregnancy. This process is repeated after the delivery'. Many people consider this practice unethical. In fact, it has been banned in Europe. Smithfield Foods, the largest U.S. pork producer, under pressure from McDonald5 s, has decided to stop the use of gestation crates in its 187 pig nurseries.6 Where in the process design methodology should this kind of ethical issue be considered?