A mother cows stands protectively over her calf

Like most dairy farms, dairy factory farms use artificial insemination. When they are close to giving birth, cows are moved to a separate, maternity shed which has straw covering the concrete floor. Here they give birth and are briefly allowed to nurse their calf. Within 24 hours of birth, calves are removed from their mothers and moved to a separate pen. Female calves will be raised as replacement milkers, while male calves and any surplus females will be sent to slaughter at just five days old.