Pregnancy at Slaughter: What Happens to the Calves? Part 2
Published May 21, 2009 @ 12:14PM PT
This is part 2 of a two-parter. If you haven't seen the first part yet, read it here.
Two questions: (1) Do you know where leather, especially "high-quality" leather, comes from? and (2) Do you know what fetal bovine serum or fetal calf serum is and what its connection to dairy, "meat," and leather is? For most, the answer to both--especially to number 2--is no. So here are the answers.
When pregnant cows go to slaughter, in addition to the trauma of still being alive inside their mothers during the latter's death, fetal calves may also be cut from their mother's womb while still alive--so that their hearts can be punctured and their blood drained for use in science, without anesthesia. From the Australian Association for Humane Research:
After slaughter and bleeding of the cow at an abattoir, the mother's uterus containing the calf fetus is removed during the evisceration process (removal of the mother's internal organs) and transferred to the blood collection room. A needle is then inserted between the fetus's ribs directly into its heart and the blood is vacuumed into a sterile collection bag. This process is aimed at minimizing the risk of contamination of the serum with micro-organisms from the fetus and its environment. Only fetuses over the age of three months are used otherwise the heart is considered too small to puncture.
The previous source was hesitant to say definitively whether (or how often) the calves are still alive during this process. But according to the following account (PDF), whether the calf is alive is not so questionable (emphasis mine):
The heart of the bovine fetus is functioning during the bleeding process via cardiac puncture. . . . The fetal heart must be beating in order to obtain an adequate harvest of fetalbovine serum production by means of cardiac puncture. Blood coagulates immediately upon death [17, 18]. . . .
It might be thought that the fetus dies at approximately the same time as its mother due to lack of oxygen supply to the placenta. However, since long it is known that the neonates and fetuses of animals are (very) resistant to hypoxia/ anoxia (lack of oxygen). . . .
The fact that the fetal heart is functioning during the cardiac puncture, indicates the fetus is still alive at the moment of the cardiac puncture - and therefore may experience pain because of the needle inserted into its heart, and because of terminal bleeding. As the fetus is never anaesthetised or stunned prior to the performance of a cardiac puncture for FBS harvest, it can be stated that FBS harvest by means of the method described above, represents an ethical problem which needs close consideration (→ 5, 6).
The author of this same thesis elsewhere quotes a former inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Gene Erickson, as confirming this: "For all practical purposes, a fetal calf's heart must be beating to obtain an adequate harvest for fetal calf serum production." And I don't understand why we would hesitate for a second to assume they suffer--if they're alive, why wouldn't this cause suffering? Think about it in human terms (because we are similar in all the ways that matter here). A woman who is 8 months pregnant dies. As she is dying or just after she dies, you cut the fetus out of her. You lay the baby on a cart, jab a needle into her heart, and start draining her blood out. Do we really need to debate whether that would cause the baby pain and suffering?
This is all pretty terrible, right? But anyone who is still eating animals, consuming dairy, and purchasing leather is funding these nightmarish practices. The dairy industry is cruel. Leather is cruel. They are as cruel as, if not more cruel than, the "meat" industry.
In fact, though no leather is free of attachments to cruelty, suffering, and death, the skin of these unborn calves who died these atrocious deaths is considered to make especially soft and "luxurious" leather and is valued for glove-making, for example. And of course, the unborn calves aren't the only calves skinned for human fashion. The calves killed after birth by the dairy industry--veal calves--are skinned for the same purpose. The skins peeled off the bodies of both tortured veal calves and tortured unborn calves fetch a high price precisely because the babies' skin is so soft and unblemished--that is, precisely because it is the skin of newborns. Calfskin is just what it says it is.
Vegetarian and meat-eating readers, I hope that after reading this post and the previous one, you're rethinking your resistance to giving up not only flesh and eggs but dairy too. Every time we think we know about all the cruelties involved, we learn about another dark and horrible aspect to animal agriculture. Who wants to be a part of--who wants to financially support--what happens to these calves? How do we justify it when we are merely choosing to be a part of it, when we can so easily choose not to be a part of it? (If you've not been convinced by words alone, see this graphic image gallery at Viva!. I can't imagine anyone seeing it and not being profoundly affected.)
And in addition to getting cruelty out of your diet, the next time you're eyeing a pair of leather gloves or shoes or a leather bag or a leather wallet, you might ask yourself how much suffering, how much torture, how many lives, rather than how many dollars. Maybe you'll picture these dead calves rather than yourself in the accessories made from their suffering, from their skins. And perhaps you'll walk away rather than to the checkout counter.
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Pregnancy at Slaughter: What Happens to the Calves? Part 1
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A Side of Rotting Baby Carcass with Your Morning Milk?
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Pregnancy at Slaughter: What Happens to the Calves? Part 3 (Graphic)
Comments (18)
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Author
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Stephanie is an independent animal rights advocate, a vegan, a tree-hugging environmentalist, and a freelance editor and writer. She lives in St. Louis with an aging corgi-lab and an adolescent rescued pit bull.
The vegan shoe industry needs to make shoes for people with large feet, like my husband, who needs size 11 wide steel-toed construction boots. Otherwise even people who want to be 100% vegan will be sliding down slippery slopes.
Posted by fkwan zhengdao on 05/21/2009 @ 03:43PM PT
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I know Moo Shoes has size 11. Not sure about the steel tip.
Posted by susan luchs on 05/25/2009 @ 05:50AM PT
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Ragazzi Vegan sells work boots up to size 12. Do a Google search for "vegan steel toe" for other options.
Posted by M. Hayden on 05/27/2009 @ 02:09PM PT
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For me, every step in the process from omni to vegetarian to vegan has been marked by a "realization" and a decision to separate myself from a particular practice. It started out, almost 18 years ago, as removing myself from the slaughter of animals now to deciding which brand of paper towel to buy! It's a lifelong process of learning, outrage, acceptance and education.
There is nothing anyone can scream at me to make me ever go back on my promise to myself to not cause suffering to other living beings.
Great articles, Steph. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Posted by Lisa Smolen on 05/21/2009 @ 07:49PM PT
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That's been exactly my path, down to the, well, not paper towels, but toilet paper. A learned about an environmentally friendly TP that CVS drugstore markets (forget the name, and can't get to it under my sink, which is barricaded by furniture during home repainting). I think it has the word "Green" in it, or the word "Earth." That may not seem important, next to the calf's life. But, then again, Greenpeace today sent an email asking the big athletic shoe companies to sign a pledge to stop buying/making leather because the Amazon rainforest is being leveled by cattle ranchers. Greenpeace didn't dare make the point that we might want to question our meat-eating habits. The distinction is surreal, isn't it?
Posted by Olivia White on 06/01/2009 @ 10:42PM PT
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more the reason for the legalization of hemp, as an alternative to any leather product...
Posted by Joe Wilson on 05/21/2009 @ 09:06PM PT
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the hemp thing. your right!! Makes me wonder if the slaughter industry isn't part of the fight against the legalization of hemp
Posted by Kevin Crivelli on 05/22/2009 @ 12:54PM PT
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! f33l bad for thease calves.. why do such people do this to innocent cows??? Thease people are stupid and abnoxious i know im only 11 years old but i feel i have a opinon on what happens in this world. most people object to my opinon and this is mines, please stop doing this to calves... what did they do to us??
Posted by Lyasia Forsythe on 05/25/2009 @ 11:35AM PT
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The first I learned about bovine serum was when researching vaccines for our child. It's in several of them, along with products from many other animals. I already knew we didn't want to inject it in our bodies, but had no idea that it was sourced in such a nasty way. i can't bare to look at the pics on the Viva! gallery, the description is graphic enough.
Just wanted to mention that point, as I find even most vegans don't think about vaccines as a source of animal products.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf
Posted by Un Sheeply on 05/25/2009 @ 10:16PM PT
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Thanks for pointing this out and providing the pdf. I always tell my doctors that I am vegan at the mere mention of any sort of medication or vaccination. I haven't taken a flu shot in years (despite the fact that I am a teacher & am encouraged to have one as a "precaution") because of the chicken products used.
It's important to remember that veganism goes beyond what is on our plates. It's about ethical living.
Posted by Lisa Smolen on 05/25/2009 @ 10:43PM PT
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My head is spinning. I just read the entire comments and thread called "A Side of Rotting Baby Carcass With Your Morning Milk?"-which led me here. I am getting a headache and just don't know which way to go...
I watched "Earthlings" last night and was very ready to not just be vegetarian, but go all the way as a vegan. And now, looking for information and education on the subject...I am again on the fence.
I am all for the non-suffering and non-cruelty ways of the humane world, but after reading the comments and the "attacks" on people who are like me (on the fence) ready to make the change...I don't think I'm worthy. It seems that it is all or nothing. Some people get it. They don't judge and condemn us as newbies. They try to help.
I used to think that making changes (big or small) in the right direction was good. Now..not so sure. I read the comments between Paul and Stephanie and for me, put me right back where I was before I watched Earthlings. I don't want to harm animals. I want to do better. I just think that if you are making even small changes on your own time, in your own way, you are doing some good. We are not all perfect. We cannot all be 100% vegans at birth. Most vegans were once meat eaters as well. They had to learn and grow.
I thank you all for your help and comments. I was ready to make the change, but I am now doubting myself. Change.org is a great site to learn and meet like-minded individuals and different opinions as well. Remember though, that compassion and kindness is what changes people's minds. I'm not talking about justifying any type of cruelty. I'm talking about giving people some information and let them make the choice. Don't make them feel like they can't "win for losing". Just a thought.
Because the other thread was closed, and because it led me to a similar track...I just had to speak up. All of this talk made me feel like I am heading to hell...that is...if I believed in hell. I think we're already there. Nothing could have made me feel worse. Defeated at the starting gate. Sorry. I'm still new here. Paul mentioned that he was new to the cause as well. I am sorry that he probably feels this way too.
I am still for animals rights, animal protection, and anything that I can do to make life easier by being compassionate to all sentient beings. I just don't know that I can be labeled as a "vegan". I never did like labels anyway.
Oh, and just a note: Montana is a huge producer of organic and other types of grains, wheat, etc. Millions of small animals are killed in the process of making these grains, many which end up in the actual product. If a vegan eats this product, why is it also not considered cruel? Not a rude comment...just wondering where it ends? It isn't just the rodents that are killed to produce the grains, but the wildlife and birds here in the west, as well. I would love to get comments on what everyone thinks of this. Thanks.
Posted by Michele McCowan on 06/16/2009 @ 05:30PM PT
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Michele, I'm sorry you're feeling confused and down, but I honestly don't understand how my and Paul's discussion about his very rare situation or about strategies for advocacy and blogging should have any effect on whether or not you go vegan. The reasons to do it haven't changed. What happens to the mother cows and calves hasn't changed. Why does the fact that some people who are vegans (or vegans and vegetarians) have disagreements change your mind about wanting to go vegan? I sincerely don't understand where you're coming from here. If you've been reading this blog for any time and through very many posts--and I think you have--you should know that I am understanding about people being new to this and needing to learn more and needing to figure it all out for themselves. I would hope that's been clear not only in posts but also in threads where I've asked the vegans to lay off hateful rhetoric.
Please do correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds to me like you're saying that because a few vegans and vegetarians got into a heated argument in one thread, and you apparently didn't like what one or more of the vegans said (and please keep in mind that what you saw wasn't the first tiring conversation/debate between the parties involved), now you don't want to be a vegan, even though you did before. I just don't understand that logic. And I don't see a single place in that thread where a vegan "attacked" someone for being where you are, for being in a transition period. I feel like you might be projecting and reading into what you read. But in general, do a minority of vegans sometimes get hateful and go into attack mode? Yes. But for every vegan who attacks you, twenty more will be kind to you and offer you advice, not condemnation.
As for the animals killed in the process of harvesting grains, please remember that far more grain and land is required for an omnivorous (or vegetarian) diet than for a vegan one because of the vast amount of grain produced for and fed to animals (including dairy cows). So those worried about the animals killed in the fields have yet another reason to explore veganism. This is a conversation that's come up in many threads, but I understand that (obviously) not everyone sees every comment thread or post--veganism isn't about perfection; it's about doing our very best to cause as little harm as possible. Animals are accidentally killed in the production of grains and vegetables, yes, but intention is important here. We can't stop all suffering. We can't prevent all death. But we can do as much as possible to minimize it. I hope this helps answer your question, Michele.
Posted by Stephanie Ernst on 06/16/2009 @ 07:02PM PT
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Thanks for your comments. Here is where I am at...
I have been eating/drinking dairy products my entire life, ignorant of the fact that calves of dairy cows are killed to keep the products coming. I am sad to say that I first learned this on the related post, part one. I honestly did not know the process. I came here to learn. I instantly felt horrible that I was taught that it was humane to have dairy cows because they lived out long lives and milking them was not cruel. I lived near a dairy farm growing up and we got our milk directly from the farm. We brought our own containers, filled them, visited with the cows and got to know them by name. I guess I have been naive, not knowing that you have to "rape" a cow to keep the milk coming (as mentioned in this site). If I would have been told that the calves are stripped from their mothers at birth and killed or dumped, I would've given up milk long ago. I was ignorant. I was naive. I was told it was humane. That does not make me intentionally cruel.
The information that I have received on this site is priceless, but is sometimes judgemental to those that think that everyone exploits animals by choice because they are not vegan. I, for one like hearing all of the comments. All sides and opinions.
This feels like being attacked...
"there are no ethical vegetarians" -Gail's (friend)
"You buy milk, you kill calves, period." -Stephanie
"Not only are you condoning murder but slavery too"-Kristen
(no need to say more)
"Vegetarians can contribute just as much to animal abuses as meat eaters...logically, vegetarians should be vegans if they follow for ethical reasons"- Luella
"We are stealing it (milk) from them and literally raping them to do it...we (consume milk) because of power and arrogance."-Priya
None of these comments made me feel good about becoming a vegan for the correct reasons. Watching the cruelty of what people do to animals (as in Earthlings) made me aware of my error in not researching sooner. Calling me and other people looking for information "unethical, rapists, murderers, and arrogant" does not make us want to join up with a group who judge people like this. It sounds righteous, whether the intention is there or not.
I did not at all take Paul's comments as overly religious or too aggressive. I thought that hearing other people's beliefs was eye-opening and having an open mind to listening, enjoyed reading all sides. Telling him that he "mentioned Krishna every other sentense"-Brandi H. was not just an exaggeration, but rude and attacking. He was also told to "get over himself...and that he needed to stop commenting"-Stephanie. I felt attacked because I want to hear all opinions, and know that people will listen to all sides without their own judgements about their own beliefs.
On the positive side, there were a couple of really nice comments and understanding people who seem to have the patience to listen and not judge. I guess that I did not interpret Paul as preachy. I am not a fan or organized religion, but I absolutely LOVE to hear about what others believe. You can never stop learning. I have never heard anything about the Krishna side of this topic, so I was interested in hearing what Paul had to say. I did not take it as being self-promoting or "pushing his beliefs" on us. That's just my personal take.
I was not saying that you personally were attacking, Stephanie, and like you said, people can get into heated arguments. I'm okay with that. I don't mind listening to all sides. Just please understand that for someone who is "on the fence" about going vegan... it doesn't help to make them feel like a murderer or a rapist. I feel bad enough as it is that I went so long not knowing the truth. (When you KNOW better, you DO better).
Set the standards a little lower at first. Understanding and compassion that we did not all learn the same things growing up is a start. Don't confuse ignorance with assuming we were intentionally cruel and exploiting. This is for everyone making the comments. Stephanie is a wealth of information and knowledge. I am impressed by people who can live as vegans and be the example to aspire to. I just don't want to feel like I am lesser of a person because I am not there yet.
Thanks to everyone for your comments and advice. I will keep reading and hopefully get to share my side. I don't want to offend anyone. I am here to learn and to CHANGE for the better. Isn't that why we are all here?
Posted by Michele McCowan on 06/16/2009 @ 11:09PM PT
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Michele, I don't have it in me to continue here the conversation that already got out of hand somewhere else. I closed that thread for a reason. So I'm going to ask that after this reply, this continuation of that thread end too.
Again, please consider that you haven't been privy to all comments and conversations between commenters (and between commenters & me), and this plays into what you saw there. I also find it problematic that you took remarks out of context and quoted them here as if they were just stand-alone "attacks" as you call them. The remarks I (and others) made that you quote were made after all the facts of dairy consumption were established, were made to someone who knows (and has long known) these facts, and were made in response to other comments as part of a continuing conversation/debate. You're presenting this all as if a bunch of vegans were ganging up on a newbie who'd just learned about these issues, and that's not what this was--it was a heated conversation among a group of people who all knew the issues and knew them well.
I don't know where you're getting the impression that most vegans think people consciously choose to take part in cruel practices; the whole point of posts like these is to inform people because of an understanding that most just don't know yet. I get that you're upset, but much of this is coming across as merely defensive.
I hope that you'll continue exploring the possibility of going vegan, despite what's bothered you in comments; as I said earlier, none of the reasons to do it have changed, and it's clear that your heart is in the right place.
If you have other concerns, please feel free to send me a message (though I can't promise an ultra-speedy reply).
Posted by Stephanie Ernst on 06/16/2009 @ 11:26PM PT
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Thanks. Point taken. I was not defensive, but only included the quotes because you said you did not see where a vegan attacked someone. I was just trying to show you what didn't feel right to someone like me. My intentions were good.
I was ready to give up dairy by the article alone. I guess in reading "you buy milk, you kill calves, period" and "there are no ethical vegetarians"...I felt offended.
I will continue to make better choices for the welfare of the animals, but I can not label myself as others have.
I lost my dream job this year because I spoke out for animals and the conversations of cruelty towards them. I have been blacklisted in a world of hunters and cowboys and am having a hard time finding a job because I don't fit it to the lifestyle in Montana. I have a cat sanctuary to save the "pests" that they were killing at my place of work. I lost my job because of my views and trying to save lives. (Off the subject, I know)
I don't want to feel like a murderer on top of that, for trying to do the right thing. I do the best that I can. I am all for stopping the suffering and the cruelty that happens to these animals. I want to fight for results and new laws. I am just saying that I don't want to feel like I am on the other side with the killers. Calling people unethical for this is cruel, just in a different way. I already felt guilty enough for not knowing what they did to the dairy calves, and that I was part of the problem because I used milk my entire life. It just seems a little harsh, that's all.
This is where I'm coming from.
Thanks for the help, and for the information side of the blog.
Posted by Michele McCowan on 06/17/2009 @ 11:11AM PT
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I am shocked and disgusted and aghast (yep, I think that fits my feeling). And I also have to wonder who could work at such a place? Thanks for the info.
Posted by beni ellis on 06/24/2009 @ 07:14PM PT
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As long as people will shed the blood of innocent creatures there can be no peace, no liberty, no harmony between people. Slaughter and justice cannot dwell together. "Singer, Isaac Bashevis"
Posted by Buddy"URGENT" HomeNeeded - www.TailWag... on 08/01/2009 @ 05:07AM PT
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this is so sick, but sadly so true. going vegan was just the best choice i ever made for me and the animals that could have suffered because of my greed.
Posted by Soodle Billy on 08/26/2009 @ 01:16AM PT
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