In the United States, dairy cows are often provided with excellent care, surpassing the treatment given to other livestock. They are housed in warm and comfortable barns, fed nutritious food, and handled with care. Ensuring the cows’ well-being is crucial because an unhappy cow is more likely to become sick, and milk from sick cows cannot be used. Some modern farms even allow cows to determine when they want to be milked by providing automated stalls where they can freely enter, enjoy a snack while the machine does its job, and then leave. Additionally, an increasing number of cattle farms install large rotating brushes that cows can use to scratch their backs.

[Image: “Awww yeah, that’s the spot!” (Picture from Imgur, source uncertain.)]

Separating dairy cows from their calves at birth doesn’t generally bother them due to selective breeding for docility, which has inadvertently reduced their maternal instincts. Stories from individuals working in the dairy industry indicate that cows may give birth in the field and simply walk away, as calving season can be stressful. Since they don’t form strong bonds with their offspring, the calves are hand-raised by workers. This approach ensures that the calves receive adequate care in a safe environment, minimizing the risk of abandonment or accidental injury from their mothers or exposure to illnesses carried by adult cows. Moreover, early human interaction is crucial for dairy cows, as they have more frequent personal contact with farmhands compared to beef cattle.

So, any alarming stories you might have heard about the dairy industry, at least in the United States, are likely unfounded.

Edit: Thank you for the upvotes. Comments are now disabled as it appears we have exhausted meaningful discussions and are rehashing the same arguments. To those with whom I have conversed, I appreciate your feedback.