In recent years, cows have been bred intensively and selectively for their meat and milk so that farmers get higher profits. According to a research team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that selectively breeding cattle with less feed and higher yield "would save farmers approximately $21 million per year in feed costs ". The profitability of this has encouraged this increasingly popular "common breeding philosophy" among breeders to make their businesses more profitable. However, the selective and severe breeding of cows creates a series of implications related to the health and survival of these individuals. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Breeding cows for high yield seriously hampers their health and significantly decreases their quality of life and lifespan. According to recent studies, a cow in the UK will on average have around three lactations before being killed due to health problems or infertility, in contrast to the longevity potential of ten lactations. Mainly, high-intensity cow breeding can lead to life-threatening diseases such as dystocia (incomplete cervical dilatation), which is abnormal delivery and labor due to the narrowness of the birth canal caused by the force of a spectacular muscle growth. This can not only lead to the death of the calf due to low oxygen levels, but can also dangerously threaten the life of the mother. According to the European Journal of Biological Sciences, “although dystocia cannot be eliminated from a herd; incidence can be significantly reduced by management decisions made before the breeding season,” meaning that selective breeding programs must take extra precautions before any action, as the occurrence of dystocia can be reduced with caution. Another effect is environmental and feeding issues impacting cows, as new zero grazing plans result in detrimental disruption to herds. To increase the volume of cows and maintain a high level of production, farmers will use an unnatural grain diet or genetically modified feed as feed, which can harm the digestive system of ruminants and lead to increased acid in the rumen with a risk of stomach diseases. keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Personalized Essay However, the zero grazing program encouraged farmers to keep their cows indoors all year round, thereby affecting their normal movement and behavior. They are housed in narrow cabins with concrete floors that are difficult to walk on, which, compared to soft pastures, poses a higher risk of damaging their feet. Lack of fresh air in a compact environment can also cause excess humidity, increasing the risk of infection..