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The injustices inherent in exploiting non-human animals stem from seeing them as commodities having only instrumental value, lacking any inherent worth apart from their usefulness to humans.

Closely related: Cows: Numbers and General Information | Cows: Sentience and Cognition

Note: We use the word “cow” to mean both male and female of the species, unless used with a gender-revealing adjective.

Points to Consider

Loss of life is an injustice even if done suddenly and painlessly (which it is not).

• To take the life of any sentient being is to harm that being by depriving them of opportunities for fulfillment, even if it is done suddenly and painlessly).
• We have no nutritional need for meat or dairy (or any animal product) so denying cows their lives is unnecessary, as are the other forms of suffering inflicted on farmed cows.
• Cows, like all farmed animals, are allowed to live just a small fraction of their natural lifespans.
  • Dairy cows are slaughtered at around 4 to 6 years old, after living less than 30 percent of a 15-20-year natural lifespan.^[1]“Age of Animals Slaughtered,” Farm Transparency Project, October 12, 2017
  • Cows used for beef are slaughtered at around 18 months old, after living less than 7 percent of a 15-20-year natural lifespan.^[2]“Age of Animals Slaughtered,” Farm Transparency Project, October 12, 2017

Despite the Humane Slaughter Act, cows are often conscious when butchering begins.

• According to the Humane Slaughter Act in the U.S., cows are required to be rendered insensible before slaughter.^[3]Humane Slaughter Act, Pub. L. No. 85–765, 862. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• Fast line speeds and poorly trained workers mean that animals are often improperly stunned and still conscious when their throats are slit. (Investigative report, Washington Post)^[4]Warrick, Jo. “‘They Die Piece by Piece.’” Washington Post, April 10, 2001. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• Workers have reported cows blinking and looking around when they are supposed to be dead. (Investigative report, Washington Post)^[5]Warrick, Jo. “‘They Die Piece by Piece.’” Washington Post, April 10, 2001. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• Many cows have their limbs cut off and even their hides removed while fully conscious. (Investigative report, Washington Post)^[6]Warrick, Jo. “‘They Die Piece by Piece.’” Washington Post, April 10, 2001. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• The butchering of conscious cows happens on a daily basis all over the U.S. (Investigative report, Washington Post)^[7]Warrick, Jo. “‘They Die Piece by Piece.’” Washington Post, April 10, 2001. Accessed December 3, 2019.

The Humane Slaughter Act is not enforced and workers have been fired for reporting violations.

• When slaughter plants in the United States are caught violating laws, action is rarely taken. (Investigative report, Washington Post)^[8]Warrick, Jo. “‘They Die Piece by Piece.’” Washington Post, April 10, 2001. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• U.S. Workers have been fired for reporting violations. (Investigative report, Washington Post)^[9]Warrick, Jo. “‘They Die Piece by Piece.’” Washington Post, April 10, 2001. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• USDA inspectors, who are responsible for enforcing humane slaughter standards, complain that they have little access to the kill floor and do not receive support from plant supervisors. (Investigative report, Washington Post)^[10]Warrick, Jo. “‘They Die Piece by Piece.’” Washington Post, April 10, 2001. Accessed December 3, 2019.

Cows are routinely subjected to mutilations, including dehorning, disbudding, castration, branding, and tail docking.

Dehorning.

• Cows are dehorned on 94 percent of dairy cows, according to the USDA.^[11]“Changes in Dairy Cattle Health and Management Practices in the United States,1996-2007.” Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, July 2009. Accessed 3 December 2019
• Dehorning is not regulated in the United States.^[12]“Changes in Dairy Cattle Health and Management Practices in the United States,1996-2007.” Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, July 2009. Accessed 3 December 2019
• Cows and calves (including females) have their horns removed to prevent them from injuring people or other animals.^[13]“Changes in Dairy Cattle Health and Management Practices in the United States,1996-2007.” Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, July 2009. Accessed 3 December 2019
• This process involves cutting through bone and horn tissue with either a wire, a saw, or a mechanical gouger^[14]Robbins, Ja, Dm Weary, Ca Schuppli, and Mag von Keyserlingk. “Stakeholder Views on Treating Pain Due to Dehorning Dairy Calves.” Animal Welfare 24, no. 4 (November 14, 2015): 399–406. Accessed … Continue reading
• According to Temple Grandin, recognized as an expert in livestock handling, it is very stressful and “the single most painful thing we do.” She stresses that an anesthetic should always be used,^[15]News, A. B. C. “Dehorning: ‘Standard Practice’ on Dairy Farms.” ABC News. Accessed December 3, 2019 although in practice it is usually not used.^[16]Robbins, Ja, Dm Weary, Ca Schuppli, and Mag von Keyserlingk. “Stakeholder Views on Treating Pain Due to Dehorning Dairy Calves.” Animal Welfare 24, no. 4 (November 14, 2015): 399–406. Accessed … Continue reading
• Calves may be in pain for several hours — if not longer — following the procedure.^[17]Faulkner, P.M., and D.M. Weary. “Reducing Pain After Dehorning in Dairy Calves.” Journal of Dairy Science 83, no. 9 (September 2000): 2037–41. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• When done on adult cows, it increases their risk of infection, sinusitis, and prolonged wound healing.^[18]“Literature Review on the Welfare Implications of the Dehorning and Disbudding of Cattle.” American Veterinary Medical Association, July 15, 2014. Accessed December 3, 2019.

Disbudding

• In calves under two months of age, the horns have not yet attached to the skull. When the procedure is carried out at this stage, it is called “disbudding.”^[19]Robbins, Ja, Dm Weary, Ca Schuppli, and Mag von Keyserlingk. “Stakeholder Views on Treating Pain Due to Dehorning Dairy Calves.” Animal Welfare 24, no. 4 (November 14, 2015): 399–406. Accessed … Continue reading
• Dehorning is not regulated in the United States.^[20]“Changes in Dairy Cattle Health and Management Practices in the United States,1996-2007.” Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, July 2009. Accessed 3 December 2019
• Disbudding is usually done with either a hot iron or caustic paste.^[21]Robbins, Ja, Dm Weary, Ca Schuppli, and Mag von Keyserlingk. “Stakeholder Views on Treating Pain Due to Dehorning Dairy Calves.” Animal Welfare 24, no. 4 (November 14, 2015): 399–406. Accessed … Continue reading
• In one survey, almost half of farmers said that calves appeared to be in pain for more than a few minutes after disbudding.^[22]“Literature Review on the Welfare Implications of the Dehorning and Disbudding of Cattle.” American Veterinary Medical Association, July 15, 2014. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• Wounds from hot iron disbudding may still be sensitive 75 hours later.^[23]Mintline, Erin M., Mairi Stewart, Andrea R. Rogers, Neil R. Cox, Gwyneth A. Verkerk, Joseph M. Stookey, James R. Webster, and Cassandra B. Tucker. “Play Behavior as an Indicator of Animal Welfare: … Continue reading
• Some farmers selectively breed for ”polled” cows, meaning those without horns. However, this is far from widespread, and dehorning and disbudding procedures are still common.^[24]Spurlock, D.M., M.L. Stock, and J.F. Coetzee. “The Impact of 3 Strategies for Incorporating Polled Genetics into a Dairy Cattle Breeding Program on the Overall Herd Genetic Merit.” Journal of … Continue reading

Castration

• Over 60 percent of male calves are castrated, according to the USDA.^[25]USDA: Reference of Beef Cow-calf Management Practices in the United States, 2007–08
• Castration is performed to reduce aggression and prevent reproduction.^[26]“Castration of Calves.” Accessed November 19, 2019.
• Castration may be carried out physically, chemically, or hormonally, though physical methods are most typical. Pain relief is often not used for younger calves.^[27]“Castration of Calves.” Accessed November 19, 2019.
• Studies show that the most common methods of physical castration (rubber ring, Burdizzo, and surgery) all cause acute pain.^[28]Robertson, I.S., J.E. Kent, and V. Molony. “Effect of Different Methods of Castration on Behaviour and Plasma Cortisol in Calves of Three Ages.” Research in Veterinary Science 56, no. 1 (January … Continue reading
• We shouldn’t need evidence that castration cause pain, but it is evidenced by behaviors such as struggling, kicking, foot stamping, restlessness, reduced food intake, and lying down more than usual.^[29]“Literature Review on the Welfare Implications of Castration of Cattle .” American Veterinary Medical Association, July 15, 2014. Accessed December 3, 2019

Branding

• Over 20 percent of cows in the US were branded in 2007-8, the latest years for which data is available at the time of writing.^[30]“Highlights of Beef 2007-08 Part I: Reference of Beef Cow-Calf Management Practices in the United States.” Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, August 2007. Accessed 3 December 2019.
• Cows are often branded with hot irons as a method of identification.^[31]“Highlights of Beef 2007-08 Part I: Reference of Beef Cow-Calf Management Practices in the United States.” Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, August 2007. Accessed 3 December 2019.
• During the branding process, cows show symptoms such as kicking, tail flicking, vocalizations, and falling down, indicating that it is painful (as if there could be any doubt).^[32]Schwartzkopf-Genswein, K S, J M Stookey, T G Crowe, and B M Genswein. “Comparison of Image Analysis, Exertion Force, and Behavior Measurements for Use in the Assessment of Beef Cattle Responses to … Continue reading
• The resulting wound from branding likely remains painful for at least eight weeks.^[33]Tucker, C. B., E. M. Mintline, J. Banuelos, K. A. Walker, B. Hoar, A. Varga, D. Drake, and D. M. Weary. “Pain Sensitivity and Healing of Hot-Iron Cattle Brands.” Journal of Animal Science 92, no. … Continue reading

Tail docking

• Eighty-two percent of dairy cows had their tails docked, according to a 2008 U.S. survey^[34]Fulwider, W.K., T. Grandin, B.E. Rollin, T.E. Engle, N.L. Dalsted, and W.D. Lamm. “Survey of Dairy Management Practices on One Hundred Thirteen North Central and Northeastern United States … Continue reading
• Dairy cows sometimes have their tails docked as it is believed to improve hygiene during milking. However, there is no evidence to support this.^[35]Stull, Carolyn L., Michael A. Payne, Steven L. Berry, and Pamela J. Hullinger. “Evaluation of the Scientific Justification for Tail Docking in Dairy Cattle.” Journal of the American Veterinary … Continue reading
• Tail docking is carried out without an anesthetic, usually using either a knife or a rubber band.^[36]Eicher, S.D., and J.W. Dailey. “Indicators of Acute Pain and Fly Avoidance Behaviors in Holstein Calves Following Tail-Docking.” Journal of Dairy Science 85, no. 11 (November 2002): 2850–58. … Continue reading
• Tail docking causes acute pain,^[37]Eicher, S.D., and J.W. Dailey. “Indicators of Acute Pain and Fly Avoidance Behaviors in Holstein Calves Following Tail-Docking.” Journal of Dairy Science 85, no. 11 (November 2002): 2850–58. … Continue reading and there is evidence that it also causes chronic pain.^[38]Eicher, S.D., H.W. Cheng, A.D. Sorrells, and M.M. Schutz. “Short Communication: Behavioral and Physiological Indicators of Sensitivity or Chronic Pain Following Tail Docking.” Journal of Dairy … Continue reading
• Cows use their tails to keep flies away, but docked cows are unable to do this. Studies show that they are attacked by more flies as a result.^[39]Eicher, S.D., and J.W. Dailey. “Indicators of Acute Pain and Fly Avoidance Behaviors in Holstein Calves Following Tail-Docking.” Journal of Dairy Science 85, no. 11 (November 2002): 2850–58. … Continue reading

Cows are often forced into horrid living conditions, including standing in their own waste.

Feedlots

• Beef cows are usually born in the winter or spring and raised on pasture for the first seven months of their lives.^[40]McGinn, S. M., T. K. Flesch, B. P. Crenna, K. A. Beauchemin, and T. Coates. “Quantifying Ammonia Emissions from a Cattle Feedlot Using a Dispersion Model.” Journal of Environment Quality 36, no. … Continue reading
• In the fall, cows may be sent to feedlots.^[41]McGinn, S. M., T. K. Flesch, B. P. Crenna, K. A. Beauchemin, and T. Coates. “Quantifying Ammonia Emissions from a Cattle Feedlot Using a Dispersion Model.” Journal of Environment Quality 36, no. … Continue reading This often involves being transported for hundreds of miles.^[42]“Monthly Returns from Cattle Feeding.” Accessed November 28, 2019.
• On feedlots, thousands of cows are crammed into and made to stand in small pens that quickly fill up with waste.^[43]“Overview of Cattle Laws | Animal Legal & Historical Center.” Accessed November 28, 2019. The aim is to fatten them up quickly, so they are fed an unnatural grain-based diet that makes them extremely bloated.
• The bloating of cows on feedlots can be so extreme that it compresses the lungs, impairing breathing and sometimes even causing death. It can also cause liver abscesses.^[44]Galyean, M. L., and J. D. Rivera. “Nutritionally Related Disorders Affecting Feedlot Cattle.” Canadian Journal of Animal Science 83, no. 1 (March 2003): 13–20. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• The huge amounts of manure on feedlots emit gases like methane and ammonia, which may give cows chronic respiratory problems.^[45]Haarlem, R. P. van, R. L. Desjardins, Z. Gao, T. K. Flesch, and X. Li. “Methane and Ammonia Emissions from a Beef Feedlot in Western Canada for a Twelve-Day Period in the Fall.” Canadian Journal … Continue reading
• Cows are also given antibiotics to make them grow faster and stave off disease in their filthy conditions.^[46]McEachran, Andrew D., Brett R. Blackwell, J. Delton Hanson, Kimberly J. Wooten, Gregory D. Mayer, Stephen B. Cox, and Philip N. Smith. “Antibiotics, Bacteria, and Antibiotic Resistance Genes: … Continue reading

Industrial Farms

• The life of a dairy cow is particularly egregious because the cycle of artificial insemination, separation from offspring, and mechanical milking repeat for 4 or 5 years until she is slaughtered, usually for cheap meat.^[47]Troutt, H.F., and B.I. Osburn. “Meat from Dairy Cows: Possible Microbiological Hazards and Risks.” ”Revue Scientifique et Technique de l’OIE” 16, no. 2 (August 1, 1997): 405–14. … Continue reading
• An undercover investigation has shown dairy cows forced to stand knee-deep in waste on concrete floors.^[48]PETA Investigations. “Cows Forced to Live in Their Own Waste at Dairy Farm.” Accessed November 29, 2019. ^[49]Neglected, Lame Cows Suffer in Pain and Filth—Just for Cheese. YouTube Video. PETA, June 28, 2019
• An undercover investigation video has shown cows with swollen or ulcerated leg joints and huge swellings oozing pus and blood.^[50]PETA Investigations. “Cows Forced to Live in Their Own Waste at Dairy Farm.” Accessed November 29, 2019. ^[51]Neglected, Lame Cows Suffer in Pain and Filth—Just for Cheese. YouTube Video. PETA, June 28, 2019
• An undercover investigation determined that cows were not given veterinary care and some were found lying dead in manure.^[52]PETA Investigations. “Video Reveals That Neglected, Lame Cows Suffer in Pain and Filth at Pennsylvania Dairy—Just for Cheese.” Accessed November 29, 2019.
• Despite being herbivores, many cows are fed unnatural diets that include fish and chicken feathers. This is because high-protein diets increase their milk production.^[53]Blezinger, Stephen. “The Use and Future of Animal Proteins in Dairy Cow Diets.” Progressive Dairy. Accessed November 29, 2019.
• By the time cows are 4 or 5 years old, they are no longer productive and are sent to slaughter. Their natural lifespan is about 20 years.^[54]Slaughter Age vs Natural Lifespan, vegannotes.org

Dairy cows are milked by machines, contributing to discomfort and mastitis.

• Cows on factory farms are milked by machines rather than by hand. Machine milking usually takes place two to three times a day and lasts 5-7 minutes each time.^[55]“How Do You Milk a Cow?” Dairy Good: National Dairy Council Content Partner, September 14, 2016, Accessed November 29, 2019.
• Machine milking of cows is harmful and uncomfortable. Teats often become swollen after milking and may become callused when it is done regularly. This does not occur when cows are allowed to suckle their calves naturally.^[56]Neijenhuis, F. “The Effects of Machine Milking on Teat Condition.” ICAR Technical Series. Research Institute for Animal Husbandry. November 29, 2019. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• Changes in the skin of the cow’s teats from mechanical milking make it easier for bacteria to penetrate, increasing the cow’s risk of mastitis (discussed later on).
• Automated milking machines allow cows to be milked more frequently, meaning there is less recovery time.^[57]Neijenhuis, F. “The Effects of Machine Milking on Teat Condition.” ICAR Technical Series. Research Institute for Animal Husbandry. November 29, 2019. Accessed December 3, 2019.

Selective breeding in dairy cows strains their bodies, resulting in metabolic diseases.

• Modern dairy cows have been selectively bred to produce much more milk than their ancestors, which is difficult for their bodies to sustain. As a result, they may become deficient in nutrients such as calcium, causing milk fever.^[58]Webster, John. Animal Welfare. Chichester, England: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2000. 88, 139-140.
• Because of the huge demands placed on dairy cows’ bodies by increased milk production, they often cannot eat enough food to sustain themselves. As a result, many develop metabolic diseases such as milk fever (discussed above), ketosis, and fatty liver syndrome.^[59]Webster, John. Animal Welfare. Chichester, England: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2000. 88, 139-140.

Cows are denied nurturing, sex, and other social behaviors.

Nurturing and Being Nurtured

• In the dairy industry, calves are usually taken from their mothers almost immediately after birth. This is very upsetting for both mother and calf. Mother cows have strong maternal instincts and often call for their calves for hours or even days after separation.^[60]Marchant-Forde, Jeremy N., Ruth M. Marchant-Forde, and Daniel M. Weary. “Responses of Dairy Cows and Calves to Each Other’s Vocalisations after Early Separation.” Applied Animal Behaviour … Continue reading
• Footage shows baby cows separated from their mothers.^[61]Heartbreaking Footage Shows Baby Cows Stolen from Their Mothers. Mercy for Animals, 2019. Accessed 3 December 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZQ3sl0xNC4&feature=youtu.be.
• Calves are often kept in isolation for at least a few weeks after birth, and will never be nurtured by their mothers.
• Calf Isolation has long-term effects. Calves separated from their mothers cope worse with stress than those allowed to remain with them.^[62]Wagner, Kathrin, Daniel Seitner, Kerstin Barth, Rupert Palme, Andreas Futschik, and Susanne Waiblinger. “Effects of Mother versus Artificial Rearing during the First 12 Weeks of Life on Challenge … Continue reading

Sex

• Cows are typically not permitted to reproduce naturally. Instead, females are artificially impregnated without their consent^[63]The Beef Site. “Artificial Insemination for Beef Cattle.” Accessed November 29, 2019. (described below), while most males are castrated (discussed above).^[64]“Castration of Calves.” Accessed November 19, 2019.

Social Behaviours

• Cows on dairy farms are sometimes kept in isolation. This is a stressful experience as they are not able to carry out natural behaviors like grooming.^[65]Mandel, Roi, Margret L. Wenker, Kees van Reenen, Nina M. Keil, and Edna Hillmann. “Can Access to an Automated Grooming Brush and/or a Mirror Reduce Stress of Dairy Cows Kept in Social Isolation?” … Continue reading
• Attempts to reduce cows’ stress with automated grooming brushes have proved unsuccessful.^[66]Mandel, Roi, Margret L. Wenker, Kees van Reenen, Nina M. Keil, and Edna Hillmann. “Can Access to an Automated Grooming Brush and/or a Mirror Reduce Stress of Dairy Cows Kept in Social Isolation?” … Continue reading
• Cows have “best friends” and become stressed when separated from them.^[67]“Heifer so Lonely: How Cows Have Best Friends and Get Stressed When They Are Separated.” Mail Online, July 4, 2011. Accessed December 3, 2019

Artificial insemination via forced penetration, along with invasive semen collection, are common industry practices for cows.

Artificial Insemination

• Approximately 78 percent of dairy cows in the United States are impregnated by artificial insemination,^[68]Rajala-Schultz, Gustavo M. Schuenemann, Santiago Bas, Armando Hoet, Eric Gordon, Donald Sanders, Klibs N. Galvão and Päivi. “A.I. Cover Sheaths Improved Fertility in Lactating Dairy Cows.” … Continue reading and less than 10 percent of meat cows are impregnated by artificial insemination.^[69]Beef Magazine. “Artificial Insemination Can Get You There,” February 1, 2000. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• Worldwide, approximately 20 percent of cows are impregnated by artificial insemination^[70]Thibier, M, and H.-G Wagner. “World Statistics for Artificial Insemination in Cattle.” ”Livestock Production Science” 74, no. 2 (March 2002): 203–12.
• The artificial insemination procedure calls for an entire human arm to be inserted into the cow’s anus to guide the semen injection gun which is inserted through the cow’s vulva.^[71]The Beef Site. “Artificial Insemination for Beef Cattle.” Accessed November 29, 2019. (described below), while most males are castrated (discussed above).^[72]“Castration of Calves.” Accessed November 19, 2019.

Semen Collection

• To artificially inseminate a cow, semen must be collected. The two main ways to collect semen are by using a teaser bull and by electroejaculation.

Teaser Bull Method of Semen Collection

• During the teaser bull method of semen collection, a “donor” bull is manipulated into becoming aroused and mounting the teaser bull, who is usually a male.^[73]Colorado State Animal Science, “Semen Collection from Bulls.” September 2, 2002. also known as a “loving cup” by the industry.^[74]Society for Theriogenology, Bull Breeding Soundness Examination, September 25, 2012
• During the teaser bull method of semen collection, semen is collected in an artificial vagina,^[75]Colorado State Animal Science, “Semen Collection from Bulls.” September 2, 2002. also known as a “loving cup” by the industry.^[76]Society for Theriogenology, Bull Breeding Soundness Examination, September 25, 2012

Electroejaculation Semen Collection

• The electroejaculation method is normally used with bulls who can’t be easily handled or aren’t capable of mounting.,^[77]Colorado State Animal Science, “Semen Collection from Bulls.” September 2, 2002.
• The electroejaculation method involves placing an electric probe into a bull’s rectum and slowly increasing the setting until the bull ejaculates. The process is painful and distressing, and no pain relief is given.
• During the electroejaculation procedure, bulls kick and try to get away,^[78]Whitlock, B.K., E.A. Coffman, J.F. Coetzee, and J.A. Daniel. “Electroejaculation Increased Vocalization and Plasma Concentrations of Cortisol and Progesterone, but Not Substance P, in Beef … Continue reading
• During the electroejaculation procedure, bulls sometimes collapse before they ejaculate.^[79]Chenoweth, P. J., and H. G. Osborne. “BREED DIFFERENCES IN THE RESPONSE OF YOUNG BEEF BULLS TO ELECTRO-EJACULATION.” Australian Veterinary Journal 54, no. 7 (July 1978): 333–37. Accessed … Continue reading

Male calves born to dairy cows are either cruelly raised for veal, or shot at birth.

• Male calves born to dairy cows are useless to the industry as they cannot produce milk, and they have not been bred for meat. So they are either:
  • Raised for veal^[80]“Veal from Farm to Table.” Accessed December 3, 2019.
  • Shot after birth.^[81]Levitt, Tom. “Dairy’s ‘Dirty Secret’: It’s Still Cheaper to Kill Male Calves than to Rear Them.” The Guardian, March 26, 2018, sec. Environment. Accessed December 3, 2019. … Continue reading

Veal

• Veal calves are often fed milk substitutes that are deficient in iron because pale veal is considered more desirable.^[82]Kiley-Worthington, M. “The Behavior of Confined Calves Raised for Veal: Are These Animals Distressed?” International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems 4, no. 3 (1983): 198–213.
• Many veal calves spend their lives confined in tiny crates measuring as little as one by two meters. These are designed to prevent them from moving so that they do not build up muscle and their flesh stays tender.^[83]Webster, AJF. “Control of Infectious Disease in Housed Veal Calves.” Proceedings of the International Symposium on Veal Calf Production, no. 52 (March 1990): 103–12.
• Their living conditions make veal calves very susceptible to illnesses like diarrhea and chronic pneumonia.^[84]Webster, AJF. “Control of Infectious Disease in Housed Veal Calves.” Proceedings of the International Symposium on Veal Calf Production, no. 52 (March 1990): 103–12.

Shot at Birth

• The popularity of veal has declined in recent years,^[85]Statista. “U.S. Veal Consumption per Capita, 2028.” Accessed December 3, 2019. https://www.statista.com/statistics/183541/per-capita-consumption-of-veal-in-the-us/. partially due to animal welfare concerns.^[86]Philip Gruber. “Veal Still Holds Possibilities Despite Challenges.” Lancaster Farming. Accessed November 22, 2019.
• Because of the declining popularity of veal, many male dairy calves are now shot shortly after birth. In 2018, an investigation carried out by the Guardian (“Dairy’s ‘dirty secret’: it’s still cheaper to kill male calves than to rear them)” revealed that 95,000 male calves per year are slaughtered at birth in the UK alone.^[87]Levitt, Tom. “Dairy’s ‘Dirty Secret’: It’s Still Cheaper to Kill Male Calves than to Rear Them.” The Guardian, March 26, 2018, sec. Environment. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• Figures for the United States are not available, but undercover footage from the country has shown newborn male calves being shot.^[88]”McArthur Dairy Farm – HSUS Investigation”. Humane Society of the United States, 2018. Accessed December 3, 2019.

In the process of shipping, cows may be beaten, kicked, shocked, subjected to hot or freezing temperatures, required to stand or sit in their own waste, and may travel for up to 28 hours without water or food.

• When cows arrive at slaughterhouses, cows who are too sick or frightened to get off the truck may be beaten, dragged with chains, kicked, shot, or shocked with electric prods.^[89]Manufacturing.net. “USDA, McDonald’s Suspend Slaughterhouse Buys,” August 23, 2012. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• An investigation has shown cows on factory farms being beaten, including in sensitive areas like their udders.^[90]PETA Investigations. “Video Reveals That Neglected, Lame Cows Suffer in Pain and Filth at Pennsylvania Dairy—Just for Cheese.” Accessed November 29, 2019.
• Cows are often transported for hours or even days to reach slaughterhouses. They usually have no access to food or water and are subject to extreme weather conditions. Legally, they can be transported in this way for up to 28 hours at a time.^[91]LII / Legal Information Institute. “49 U.S. Code § 80502 – Transportation of Animals.” Accessed November 29, 2019.
• Cows are transported as far as 1500 miles with up to 45 cows crammed into each trailer. Trailers are open and in winter cows’ hooves may freeze to the urine and manure. Those who are unable to stand have no choice but to lie in the waste.^[92]PETA. “Cow Transport and Slaughter,” June 22, 2010. Accessed December 3, 2019.

Cows commonly suffer from mastitis, lameness, downer cow syndrome, enlarged udders, and bacterial infections.

Mastitis

• Mastitis is an infectious disease involving the persistent inflammation of a cow’s udder tissue.
• Mastitis is common on modern factory farms — a USDA report found that 24.8 percent of dairy cows in the USA had the disease at some point in 2014. In a small number of cases, it was fatal.^[93]“Milk Quality, Milking Procedures, and Mastitis on U.S. Dairies, 2014.” Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, September 2016. Accessed December 3, 2019. … Continue reading
• Mastitis causes pain and discomfort, especially as it makes it uncomfortable for cows to lie down.^[94]Siivonen, Jutta, Suvi Taponen, Mari Hovinen, Matti Pastell, B. Joop Lensink, Satu Pyörälä, and Laura Hänninen. “Impact of Acute Clinical Mastitis on Cow Behaviour.” Applied Animal Behaviour … Continue reading

Downers

• A downer cow is one who is unable to rise.
• The euphemism for downer cow syndrome is “Bovine Secondary Recumbency”.^[95]Constable, Peter D. “Overview of Bovine Secondary Recumbency – Musculoskeletal System.” Veterinary Manual. Accessed November 22, 2019.
• There are a number of potential causes of downer cows, but one of the most common is “milk fever,” which occurs shortly after a cow gives birth.^[96]Constable, Peter D. “Overview of Bovine Secondary Recumbency – Musculoskeletal System.” Veterinary Manual. Accessed November 22, 2019.
• While some downer cows recover, many do not and are euthanized.^[97]Constable, Peter D. “Overview of Bovine Secondary Recumbency – Musculoskeletal System.” Veterinary Manual. Accessed November 22, 2019.
• In the USA, it is illegal to send downed cows to slaughter. However, a loophole in the law allows some downed cows to be slaughtered anyway. If cows are able to stand when inspected by the USDA prior to slaughter, they can be killed — even if they later become downers.^[98]“ANTE-MORTEM LIVESTOCK INSPECTION .” Washington DC: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, May 7, 2020.
• Undercover investigations have documented cruel treatment of downer cows at slaughterhouses, including being dragged with chains, shocked with electric prods, rammed with forklift trucks, and sprayed with a hose to simulate drowning.^[99]Slaughterhouse Investigation: Cruel and Unhealthy Practices. Humane Society of the United States, Youtube, 2008. Accessed December 3, 2019.
• An Animal Welfare Institute undercover investigator recorded workers moving downed cows with forklifts, sticking them repeatedly with electric prods and spraying water down their noses to make them stand, allegedly to get them to slaughter.^[100]“Cattle abuse wasn’t rare occurrence“, ABC News

Lameness

• Lameness is common in high-yielding dairy cows.^[101]Pryce, J. E., R. F. Veerkamp, R. Thompson, W. G. Hill, and G. Simm. “Genetic Aspects of Common Health Disorders and Measures of Fertility in Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle.” Animal Science 65, … Continue reading
• Contributing to lameness:
  • Their udders become so large that there is much more weight on their inner claws than on the outer ones. The more milk a cow produces, the more prone she is to lameness.^[102]Pryce, J. E., R. F. Veerkamp, R. Thompson, W. G. Hill, and G. Simm. “Genetic Aspects of Common Health Disorders and Measures of Fertility in Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle.” Animal Science 65, … Continue reading
  • Standing on concrete floors, badly done hoof trimming, and poor hygiene, which can lead to bacterial infections.^[103]Webster, John. Animal Welfare. Chichester, England: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2000, 141.

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Footnotes