About Cows

Where do cattle come from?

American cattle ranch
© Compassion in World Farming / Martin Usborne

Cattle were domesticated as long ago as the Neolithic age and have been kept as livestock ever since for their meat, milk and hides.

Historically there was less distinction between dairy cattle and beef cattle, with the same breeds used for both milk and meat. However, in the developed world today farmers generally keep either beef or dairy cattle. Through generations of selection, dairy breeds, such as the Holstein-Friesian, are bred specifically to produce very high volumes of milk.

The calves of dairy and beef cows are likely to have very different lives. Beef calves are generally slaughtered for beef after one to two years. Female dairy calves are usually reared on for milk production. However, male dairy calves are usually considered surplus to requirements by the dairy industry and are often shot at birth. Some male dairy calves are reared for veal.

Beef cattle tend to lead a largely natural life, with most grazing outdoors on grass. However there are specific welfare concerns for dairy cows and calves.