Spoiler
#1 - I have done/watched artificial insemination and I would not call it forceful. Yes a hand goes op their bum to find the uterus so the tube is inserted to the right place, and yes I would assume it is uncomfortable, but it is not forceful. it is done in a calm and careful way - no rushing, no matter how many cows there are.#1The cow is usually forcefully inseminated, which isn't rare when you're in the business of impregnating large masses of animals, or breeding animals in captivity. So I can get past that part. I am #2 upset that the usual method of using cows for milk involves taking the calf from the mother so that we can take the milk. Milk that's not even made for us. Simply put, we're not even really intended to ingest it from animals like cows. It's not only those who are lactose intolerant that have trouble digesting it. Interestingly enough, I've heard that goat's milk is promoted as being closer to human milk, so we would have an easier time digesting the stuff... that aside, this isn't something I'd suggest looking to PETA for answers about. You'll get all sorts of fantastical answers.
In the old days, the calves would be separated from the mother and usually used as veal products, or left to die. Now, with animal rights activists breathing down dairy farmer's necks about this and that, several special farms have developed a better method where sometimes the dairy cows are rotated. When it's their turn to give milk, the calves are raised on a different feed and used for various other reasons. Usually it's still for veal... but the males can be kept for future breeding or beef, and the females as future dairy cows. I think it all depends on where you live. It's not a perfect system, but at least the animals are slowly allowed some dignity and healthier conditions, despite what they're being used for.
#2 - new calves are kept with their mother for up to 2 weeks, due to the fact that only she has the colostrum required for the new born. In the dairy farms I have worked at, the new calves are introduced to the bucket and then put into a pen with other calves and fed milk twice a day - some get more depending on their age of course - from a large trough or feeder. Why? because the heifers (girls) are important to continue the milking herd, and the males are used as income, gelded and sold on to feed lots to fatten/raise for eventual butchery (unless they are unlucky enough to be on a farm which sells veal). Unless of course he is a special bull calf in which case he gets special treatment and then leads a life of love, sleep and eating.
Goats milk is awesome. though I have not tried the stuff from the supermarket, I was raised on fresh goats milk from about 8 weeks of age (it saved my life incidentally) and always recommend it if people are having problems with regular milk and cheeses.
1: Are you vegetarian or vegan?
Neither.
2: If yes WHY did you decide to become vegetarian/vegan.
3:If you are, how long have you been vegetarian/vegan.
4: Would you ever consider becoming vegan/vegetarian (if a meat eater)
I would consider being a vegetarian, at least most days of the week. There is so many more options now than just tofu and veggies that I am now aware of - it makes it actually appealing to me. Also meat is getting very expensive for my budget, so I am incorporating some legumes, chickpea and vegetable dishes in my weekly menu just to keep my costs lower. I am also grateful that Tofu is not my only option lol
5: Do you feel healthier/less healthy since going vegetarian/vegan (if vegetarian/vegan)
6: How are your energy levels/iron levels etc (i guess both could answer this)
they are good, my iron is always in a very healthy range, although my energy could use a boost lol
7: Do you take a vitamin suppliment. (i guess both could answer that too)
I take omega3 fish oil, ginkgo biloba (memory assistant) , magnesium and a multi-vitamin
On the battery/cage eggs that I have seen others answer (understanding that it has been removed due to the animal rights thread) I only buy cage eggs due to cost. I simply can not afford the $6+ for 12 free range eggs when i can buy them for 2.59 a doz. it is a purely cost thing and I rarely buy them due to the guilt I feel over the hens conditions - although many are getting better due to scandals and awareness of the conditions they have been forced to live in, the authorities are attempting to regulate this area more thoroughly.
and as I am aware - there are no factory farms in Australia, but I do admit i don't really know.