New Investigation Warns Of Factory Farming’s ‘Silent Takeover’ In UK Dairy

A recent investigation in the UK has revealed the prevalence of "zero-grazing" dairy farms where cows are kept indoors at all times in factory farm-style facilities. This practice has been linked to increased risks of various health issues for the cows, including hoof problems, mastitis, and bacterial infections. Calves are also separated from their mothers soon after birth and kept in isolated pens, further compromising their well-being.


The rise of zero-grazing systems now accounts for around 20% of the UK dairy industry, with the focus on profit over animal welfare being cited as a driving force. This shift towards total captivity for dairy cows, previously associated with romanticized visions of cows on pasture, mirrors trends seen in other countries like the US and Europe. Animal rights organizations like Viva! are raising awareness about the harsh conditions in these farms, shedding light on the dark side of the dairy industry's pursuit of profit.