Why Trump Had a Cow in China

This is it folks.  It's the deal of the century.  For the first time in 14 years, American beef will be sold on the streets of Beijing.  American cattle farmers are happy.  Chinese beef retailers are happy.  The Trump administration is flaunting a great diplomatic victory.  But, how do you think the cows feel about it?

Organizations like "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals" (PETA) list common acts of cruelty towards cows on their website.  Some of these practices are perfectly legal.  But, many of them are not.  Members of the cow community are currently unable to comment on the matter.  

While many other farm animals trace their domestication back to multiple starting points in the ancient world.  A study by Dr Ruth Bollongino indicates that the domestication of cows was unique.  A little over 10,000 years ago, a heard of as little as 80 wild ox allowed themselves to be domesticated.  These animals were much larger than modern cows.  In all likelihood they could have killed every villager that tried to come near them.  But, they were mans best friend.  Today, every cow on the planet is descended from these 80 animals. 

Observations of modern hunter gatherers indicate that the most friendly and intelligent animals are more likely to become domesticated.  Small pigs and chickens most likely wondered into the village and were loved by all.  Many of these animals provided protection from animals such as wolves.  Thus, a heard of 80 giant friendly ox would have been a welcomed ally.  

How do the ethics of eating domesticated meat weigh against the ethics of wild animals such as fish?  Are the health risks associated with the vegan diet worth it?  This should be the framework of a discussion on agricultural policy.  Thus, I am giving you this opportunity to influence the discourse.  Start by making use of the social media buttons below as soon as you are finished reading this message.