Cows Don't Make Milk

By Rebecca Carter, Co-Founder of Ecorazzi.com and Healthy Living Guest Blogger

It took me a long time to understand that dairy cows are, well, female. For some reason I just never made the connection. It took me even longer to understand that cows don’t make milk.

Mothers do.

This all occurred one evening as I was nursing my youngest son. Suddenly, I understood that a cow’s milk is breast milk for her baby, just as the milk I make is for my own.

I became a vegetarian 14 years ago because of my compassion for the animals. Because of this, learning about the dairy industry practices was enough to make me say goodbye to milk, probably forever.

But putting aside my empathy, I have to wonder: Does it make any sense that we are drinking breast milk from an animal?

I can imagine how repulsed my friends would be if I offered them even a drop of my breast milk for their coffee. Ironic, because it seems to me that it is more ridiculous to be pushing aside a calf to drink some of his mother’s milk — milk designed to grow a massive bovine.

So after more than a decade of vegetarianism, I have shifted to a mostly vegan diet. Going vegan doesn’t surprise me. I think I always knew this was on my horizon; the surprise is that it took me this long.

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Read more: Food, Health, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Dusty W.

11:56AM PDT on Apr 3, 2012

To charli S. ................Now, this is what I've been trying to explain all along. Folks should get their facts straight before pointing their fingers.
Good for you, my friend!!!!!
Dusty

send a green star

Charli S.

10:24AM PDT on Apr 3, 2012

con't But many ranchers are now finding that mimicking nature is better for the cows, calves and the ranch. And many small ranches (homesteaders) are trying to run their ranches in a humane manner but the government is always making rules which prohibit this. I prefer raw milk but the government views it as a health hazard.

10:23AM PDT on Apr 3, 2012

Cows continue to make milk even after their babies are grown (usually . This is why they are milked. If you breast feed you understand how uncomfortable it is to have the milk in your breasts (udders) and not have that pressure released. I've milked cows by hand and the cow seems to enjoy the sensation. I don't know about the machines but I assume if done correctly it's not stressful for the cows and they seem to be OK with it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DxK4yYSEZ4
We allowed our cow to nurse her baby and there was always plenty of milk for us and the baby. The same with goats. Have you ever watched the milking process? Cows aren't uncomfortable. Believe me if they were they wouldn't stand there chewing their cud and acting like they are content. Our cow used to walk to the milking stall when she wanted to be milked. Before you write something it might do you well to actually watch the process. You have a right to your opinion but make sure it's based on facts. Sadly many cows owe their lives to the fact they give milk. BTW even after our cow stopped giving milk we didn't kill her. She lived out her life in among the other cows. Same with our chickens. We were a no kill ranch. Yes we "exploited" the animals for milk and eggs but in return they got a warm and comfortable place to live, plenty to eat, regular medical care (something we often missed). Depending on what country the cows are raised will determine the quality of life. But many ranchers are no

Victoria S.

6:38AM PDT on Mar 12, 2012

Very interresting and inspirational

Pego R.

11:45PM PST on Mar 9, 2012

Hi Lyn

Being part Native American I have had some significant trouble with milk products, which actually seemed odd to me, since I could drink it on the family farm. Still NDN and milk are a notorious non-combination. I had cramps, gas, a number of your typical digestive problems that they call "lactose intolerance" I could eat cheese, usually and since cheese often has it's lactose consumed in aging that was logical. I couldn't drink lactaid, DAYS of cramps.

When I found a raw organic local dairy (certified grade A) I tried that. It was quite a different result, no cramps, no gas, no indigestion. That and it was also nice to go out and meet the "girls". I don't know whether it was the hormones or the pasteurization/homogenization or the other chems they load industrial dairy. What I do know is that I don't have any reaction to these girls and didn't to the "pet" heifers my Uncle kept for the family.

1:12PM PST on Mar 5, 2012

To Diane....................... YOU BET! I'll be waiting! :)

Diane L.

1:05PM PST on Mar 5, 2012

Dusty, we're getting a tad "off topic" here, but if you're interested, I'll reply privately & tell you all about my equine buddies. I never tire of talking about my critters!

1:03PM PST on Mar 5, 2012

Yes, Dusty, I know about the issues with soy and mimicking estrogen, which is one reason I avoid any use of it. The soy protein shakes I make are usually once or maybe twice a week, instead of cereal if I am in need of breakfast and in a hurry. I have this "gadget", if you want to call it that, called a "Thunderstick" and it is like a little hand mixer but only one "beater" blade. It isn't powerful enough for smoothies, though, so if I do add frozen berries, I use the Ninja. I get bored with cereal, and sometimes just need something to fill me up if I'm up early enough to warrant breakfast. I used to eat a big breakfast (always my main meal) when I was working, since I worked nights, but not since I've retired. I get in "work mode" outside and don't take the time. BAD habit!

1:01PM PST on Mar 5, 2012

Diane L. You mentioned your stallion?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been sick for quite awhile, along with a fractured leg that never mended right because of the Fibromyalgia. BUT.....I used to have horses! (Many). Actually, they had me! Mares, geldings....& even a lovely Appy stud I used for breeding. Produced some outstanding babies from that boy!
Can't take care of them anymore. My last old gelding passed away right in front of my eyes at the ripe age of past 20. Heart attack. All I could do was sit in my wheel-chair, & watch "Cisco" go down. He....out in his beloved pasture. Me.........in the livingroom, & alone. Now, I'm down to a cat & a dog. Actually, one of my mares lived to be 32 yrs. Another Appy. Now, I have 4 beloved equine buried out behind their stalls & I miss them more than words can express. All in all, I've owned 8 horses.(I'm thinkin')-?! One of 'em,twice.
You sound like we have alot in common. My E is: krikaley@epix.net if you ever just want to connect on a non-cow level. ...............Oh, I had a cow once. Miss her,too. Her name was "Sarah" & she was a very sweet Holstein. Hope to hear from ya!!!!

12:48PM PST on Mar 5, 2012

Diane L. .................What you make from your berries sounds de-lish! I love berries & we eat them right off the bushes around here. (Upper Pa.) All in season.....wild strwberries; blue berries; huckle-berries; black-berries; black-caps......raspberries! Yumm! You name it! :)
I can't use soy because it messes with my already goofed up female problems. Soy, as I'm sure you know, can produce excessive amounts of estrogen & I had to learn the hard way.