Goat laying in field

the life expectancy of farm animals

How old would a cow, a pig or a hen live to be if they were not slaughtered?
 

5/9/2024

Surprisingly, it is not an easy task to find out the average natural life expectancy of so-called livestock. Neither farming textbooks nor expert journals make this information readily available. This is particularly sad because it shows that the actual life expectancy of these animals is of no significance to the farming industry. The ideal age for slaughter, on the other hand, is easily found in many textbooks and agricultural fact sheets. 

In fact, the severe genetic manipulations that have been made to today's farm animal breeds, particularly those raised for meat, make it difficult for them to survive past "slaughter age" because their limbs and organs can't handle the strain of their over enlarged bodies.

Comparing the average length of their lives as farm animals with their potential maximum life expectancy reveals a huge discrepancy. The potential life expectancy of all species of farm animals is several times higher than the age at which they are slaughtered.  

Life Expectancy of Cattle

Life expectancy of cattle

Life Expectancy of Pigs

Life expectancy of pigs

Life Expectancy of Chickens

Life expectancy of chickens

Life Expectancy of Sheep

Life expectancy of sheep

Life Expectancy of Rabbits

Life expectancy of rabbits

Life Expectancy of Geese

Life expectancy of geese
Happy pig outside

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