Ban on downer cattle could cost dairy farmers

[flashl]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dairy farmers stand to lose income if the government honors congressional demands for a total ban on downer cattle after a California slaughterhouse failed to keep them out of the food supply.

In 2004, the Agriculture Department banned cows too sick or injured to stand. But in finalizing the rule last year, the department called for cattle that get injured after they pass inspection to be re-evaluated to determine whether they are eligible for slaughter.

...

Several lawmakers have since challenged the USDA to impose a total ban because downers pose a greater risk of illnesses such as mad cow disease.

...

Dairy farmers sell their cows for slaughter — known as "culled cows" — once the animals are no longer productive. Downer cattle tend to be older dairy cows rather than younger beef cattle because of the health problems associated with aging. Dairy farmers get several hundred dollars for each cow they sell for slaughter.

USA Today

Should the continued support of dollar worship (free market, capitalism, or whatever you want to call it) trump concern about Downer cows? Especially, when those cows are headed for the National School Lunch program. See: USDA Rejects 'Downer' Cow Ban - washingtonpost.com

[BearSquirrel2]

1. Animal feed ...

Downer cattle are best used for animal feed (though obviously ... not for cows).

[madrchsod]

2. dairy cows are "canners and cutters"

there is no reason why any cow is sold that can`t stand up. if the dairymen want to sell they should make sure their cows are`t half dead by the time they are on the truck.

the federal government can regulate.....what the fuck? i`m saying "federal government regulations"?

sorry i was dreaming of another time in america