Crossing the Great Plains today, I saw young calves frolicking in the warm sunshine, a scene that would warm the heart of any animal lover. Once cold winds, rain or snow return, they will seek the protection of their mothers.
Within three months, most of the male calves will be castrated; all calves feed on mother's milk and grass until they are about 6-10 months old. During the warmer months, the cattle will endure biting insects, gathering in crowded herds or in farm ponds to escape the torment. By 12 months of age (sometimes sooner) they leave the open grasslands and are placed in feedlots (those hellish pens we see along the highway), where they will spend the last 6 months of their short life.
Of course, there is suffering and death in nature as well. But this suffering is human-induced. Enjoy those steaks and burgers.
See also: Dead Cows Standing
