Humane Foundation
Topic hub · Animals & Rights

Cows & the Dairy Industry

Milk production depends on a continuous cycle of pregnancy and separation. This hub follows the dairy supply chain — calf separation, mastitis and lameness, cull rates, and the plant-based milks reshaping the category.

Stories
16
Writers
11
Reading time
74m
Desks
3
Golden oat fields at sunrise, symbolizing the transition to sustainable farming for easy vegan breakfasts.
Featured Stories

Our Dairy Farm to Oat Field: Easy Vegan Breakfasts and Eliminating Common Mistakes 2024

Transitioning from dairy farming to oat cultivation taught us that creating easy vegan breakfasts requires strategic planning and careful ingredient choices to avoid pitfalls.

By Eleanor Vance · 4 min read

Stories in this hub

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Frequently asked questions

Do dairy cows have to be pregnant to give milk?
Yes. Dairy cows are inseminated roughly annually so that lactation continues; their calves are typically removed within hours to days of birth.
What happens to male dairy calves?
Male calves have no milk value and are usually raised for veal or beef, or killed shortly after birth depending on the market.

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