A FARMER hit out at activists who claimed separating calves from their mothers was cruel.
The farmer, who said he didn’t want to be named, pointed out that separated calves live longer.
He spoke out after activists erected a posted reading: “Not Your Mom…not your milk. Dairy takes babies away from their mothers” in the city of St. John’s, Canada.
The livestock professional defended the practice of removing calves – a common practice in the dairy industry for decades.
He said: “The practice has proven to be better for the calf and has actually resulted in lower mortality rates.
“We feed the calves colustrum that’s been added to milk to ensure they get the best start in life.”
His views were supported by Ian Richardson, the chair of the Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada.
He said those in the dairy industry have a vested interest in keeping animals that are well cared for and healthy.
