Industrial Animal Agriculture &
Farmed Animals’ Welfare

Beef Cattle

Beef cattle, often simply referred to as "cattle," are domesticated cattle that are primarily raised for the production of beef meat. These cattle are specifically bred and managed for meat production rather than for milk or other purposes. Beef cattle can be raised in various systems, including pasture-based, feedlot, or mixed systems, and they come in different breeds, each with its own characteristics suited for specific production environments and purposes.

Balinese cattle tied to a fence at Beringkit market in Indonesia. The animals will remain tied uncomfortably with a rope through the nose until they are sold for meat. Credit: Vanessa Li / We Animals Media.

Housing for beef cattle

Cattle raised for beef may spend a large portion of their lives kept indoors on CAFOs, which are sometimes referred to as feedlots or stockyards. Here, many individuals are confined in cramped conditions on hard concrete floors, with no access to natural grazing. They are fed an artificial grain-based diet.

Cattle on a feedlot in Thailand. Feedlots, or fattening farms, hold animals until they reach market weight and can be transported to slaughter.
Credit: Jo-Anne McArthur, We Animals Media for The Guardian..

Welfare concerns for beef cattle

Cattle can become stressed from the overcrowded conditions, and they may suffer from lameness due to constantly standing on rough surfaces, which are often dirty. Disease can spread rapidly through the cattle population. Cattle may suffer from bovine respiratory disease, which is exacerbated by stress. Cattle need to lie down and rest for around 10 -12 hours a day, and their natural instinct to do this is very strong. This natural behaviour can be restricted or prevented if the area is too crowded, and if clean floors and soft bedding are not provided. The provision of a grain-fed diet can result in painful digestive disorders, including acidosis and other health problems.

Lifespan of cattle on a CAFO

Cattle raised for beef are usually slaughtered at around 18 months of age or slightly older.

Further Reading