9 Facts About Factory Farming That Will Make You Swear Off Meat

by N/A, 10 years ago | 1 min read

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Disclaimer: This article contains photos that may be considered graphic.

Factory Health Animals abuse cruelty Food/Cooking Industry Farming Non-Premium

1. Many cows don't live longer than five years.

Cows can live up to 20 years, but many dairy cows die way before than because of the conditions of industrial farms.

2. Pregnant hogs live in extremely small cages.

These "gestation crates" are used to cut costs and keep pigs immobilized. They cause abscesses, sores and other deformities.

3. Millions of baby chicks are ground up the day they hatch.

Representatives from Mercy for Animals, a non-profit organization went undercover in an egg factory and discovered this happening to a large number of male chicks because they can't lay eggs.

4. 80% of the antibiotics produced in the world are made for livestock.

Some antibiotics are necessary to keep animals healthy in their unsanitary living conditions, but most others are used to stimulate growth.

5. Veal calves are forced to wear heavy chains.

This is so that they won't become overactive in their stalls. They're also left in the dark so that their flesh will stay pale.

6. 82% of livestock have their tails removed.

The process of "tail-docking" is said to be for health purposes. A majority of farms practice it and usually do so by burning the tails or tying them off.

7. Fowl often have their beaks removed.

Chicken, Turkeys and Ducks often have their beaks cut or burned off to keep the from pecking each other in their small enclosures.

8. Pneumonia is a common illness among factory farm pigs.

In a study, 65% of pigs were found to have lesions consistent with pneumonia on their lungs.

9. Fowl are kept in extremely small enclosures.

These are called "battery cages" and they provide about .6 square feet for each hen.