Heifers, Lambs, Bunnies, Chicks?

In today's mailbox came another catalog. This one is sort of different. Heifer International. Ever hear of it?



On the cover is a statement: The Most Important Gift Catalog in the World.


and...

there's a photograph of Susan Sarandon with two llama's in tow.

So the deal is this: For anywhere from 20 bucks to over 1500, a person can send an animal or animals to impoverished folks all over the world. These animals are bred, used for the milk and eggs and then the offspring are given to another family, and so on. Rightous or wrong?

Ed Asner, in the same catalog says, "Heifer International and I are a good match...I want to be sure that we have green spaces, clean air, clean water and enough food, not only for today, but way off in the future."

Wait just a second here...

I am just learning about this deal, so I'll do more research before I go off half-cocked about the thing. But, I seem to understand that cattle, and other livestock (we eat and drink their milk) deplete the earth of green spaces, clean air and water. Also, I understand the concept of breeding and passing on the offspring to help others, but what happens to all the male offspring?

As I got further into the catalog, it proudly brags that the gift of pigs help hungry, undernourished families put protein back into their diets.

Hey, what's wrong with peanut butter?

At first blush, I think sending some seeds is a good idea.