Livestock

Dairy Cow Welfare: Mastitis, Lameness, and Metabolic Disease

Dairy cows are bred for milk production so extreme that their bodies break down under the metabolic demands, causing widespread suffering.

Key Facts

Modern dairy cows produce 10x more milk than their calves would need
Mastitis affects 25-50% of dairy cows and is the most common cause of culling
Lameness affects 20-40% of dairy cows in intensive systems
Cows are typically slaughtered at 4-5 years old when production declines, despite living 20 years naturally
Milk fever and ketosis are metabolic diseases caused by extreme milk production demands

Welfare Considerations

The dairy cow's body is pushed past sustainable limits by selective breeding and nutrition management. Mastitis causes painful udder inflammation often poorly treated. Lameness from hoof disease and inadequate flooring causes chronic pain measurably affecting behavior and production. The natural lifespan of a cow is 20 years; dairy cows are killed when their productivity drops at 4-5, their bodies worn out by metabolic demands.

What You Can Do

Reduce dairy consumption and explore plant-based milk alternatives
Choose milk from farms certified to A Greener World higher-welfare standards
Support legislation requiring lameness and mastitis treatment standards
Advocate for outdoor access requirements in dairy farm certification
Donate to organizations working on plant-based dairy food system transitions