5 Facts About Cows
Photo credit Samantha Fisher
1. Cows have almost 360 degree panoramic vision
2. Every cow is unique, no two cows have the same markings.
3. Cows can remember the faces of 100 other cows
4. Cows, like humans, are very social animals, they form herds to bond with other cows
5. The mother-calf bond is very strong. Mother cows will call and frantically search for her calf long after they have been taken from her for veal.
Ever wonder why we drink the milk of a cow and not the milk of a hyena or a rhino? Other animals in the animal kingdom produce milk that is higher in calcium than a cow so why drink milk from a cow? Well, cows are extremely social and gentle herd animals. Their gentle nature has made them as well as other animals such as goats, sheep, and pigs, easy to take advantage of for their milk and flesh.
Our need for their flesh is the biggest contributor to global warming as we continue to clear land to raise cattle for slaughter. Runoff from factory farming and raising livestock is the leading cause of pollution in our rivers and lakes.
Cows, like any animal, feel pain. They endure countless mutilations such as castration, branding, and dehorning without any medication to reduce or numb their pain. After their time on a feedlot, they are shipped in trucks without food or water to slaughterhouses, where they are shot with bolt guns, hung upside down, and have their throats slit. Due to speed lines being so fast, they are often still conscious during this process.
Eating beef contributes to so many health related issues including diabetes and heart disease. By keeping beef off of your plate and cow milk out of your glass you can make a difference for your health, for the planet, and for so many beautiful, innocent cows who all deserve to live in peace.
Eating beef contributes to so many health related issues including diabetes and heart disease.
"The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified processed meat as a carcinogen, something that causes cancer. And it has classified red meat as a probable carcinogen, something that probably causes cancer. IARC is the cancer agency of the World Health Organization.
Processed meat includes hot dogs, ham, bacon, sausage, and some deli meats. It refers to meat that has been treated in some way to preserve or flavor it. Processes include salting, curing, fermenting, and smoking. Red meat includes beef, pork, lamb, and goat." -American Cancer Society
By keeping beef off of your plate and cow milk out of your glass you can make a difference for your health, for the planet, and for so many beautiful, innocent cows who all deserve to live in peace.
Disclaimer: I do not own these photos. Photo credit Samantha Fisher