I was surprised, because in the posts I can recall where Oral is talking about dairy cows, his tone is just very cold and clinical and he does not seem to be thinking of them in the way that someone who has had relationships with them would have, or in fact seem to be talking about live, feeling beings. That was really my entire observation, and it related back to the way Coug was talking about the dying young cow.
I believe you mischaracterize Oral's posts.
What he brings to the discussion of cows and dairy farming is the fact that he was a dairy farmer until he became an evil sheet metal shop owner.
Here is what an "advanced" search turns up of Oral's posts on this thread using the search term "cow":
Message 20941774
Pointing out that artificial insemination is physically easier on cows than being bred with a 2,200 pound bull
Message 20943091
Artificial insemination is humane, and allows cows two cycles to regain uterine strength. Also, AI controls calf size, so first calf heifers are not dying as a result of giving birth to overly large calves.
Message 21283628
Pointing out that he'd seen what appears to be symptoms of mad cow disease in cows in the 1970's.
Message 21290846
"I can tell you this. I grew up milking COWs on a farm that had 35 COWs. They were happy and so were we. I farmed until I quit and at our peak milked 95 COWs with about 270 young stock around. They were happy and so were we."
Message 21323916
Discussing mastitis and pointing out that when he farmed, he never had to treat more than 3 cows a year for the disease. Also noting that mastitis often occurs in newly freshened cows who are unaccustomed to high levels of calcium.
Message 21326109
Oral continues to be around cows, helping his son-in-law. Noting it is impossible to tell whether a cow is or is not being given rbgh by looking at its udder.
Message 21326930
Commenting on cows in India. Photo no longer available on Yahoo.
Message 21327015
Commenting on a picture you posted. Cow in the background is a "good looking gal." The one in front has a problem with her udder due to the suspension ligaments.
Message 21327417
Commenting on another picture, allegedly of sad, factory farmed cows. Noting that they appear healthy and well fed. I recall that picture as well and agree with Oral's assessment.
That is the sum total of Oral's posts on this thread this year on the subject of cows. I wouldn't say his tone is "cold and clinical." He brings knowledge that comes from having been a dairy farmer, who's dealt with mastitis, lactating cows, cows who are bred, both with bulls and through artificial insemination. IMO, Oral speaks from personal experience. The problem he has with some of your posts on the issue is that you read articles and based on your reading, suggest that you presume to know all there is to know about the issue of dairy cows and factory farming. |
