Fair Oaks Farms is an industry pioneer in phasing out cow dehorning, which animal rights activists describe as a cruel mutilation.
The massive dairy farm and agritourism attraction off Interstate 65 in Newton County is working to end the practice of dehorning, where farmers gouge out or burn off calves' horns.
Dairy farmers use hot irons, caustic paste or sharp metal scoops to remove them because they don't want to work with full-grown cows with horns, said David Byer, senior corporate liaison for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
"While PETA advocates consuming soy and almond milks and vegan cheeses, Fair Oaks Farms' decision is sparing calves the pain of dehorning," PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said.
PETA reached out to Fair Oaks because it is one of the largest dairy farms in the nation with 36,000 cows, and 80 to 100 more calves born every day. In addition to drawing 500,000 visitors each year to go on its Dairy Adventure and Pig Adventure, the farm supplies brands such as Coca-Cola, Kroger and Pinkberry.
About 20 percent of the Fair Oaks herd is naturally hornless or polled cattle, and the farm is breeding to increase that percentage.
"There are genes for horns and no horns," Byer said. "It's like humans with blonde hair or brown hair. Hornless is the dominant gene so half of all offspring are naturally hornless. It will take awhile to make the whole herd that way, but the goal is to end the painful practice of dehorning. It's just unnecessary. Companies and consumers are horrified and surprised to learn about this practice in the dairy industry."
PETA has encouraged companies such as Dunkin' Donuts, Chipotle, Amy's Kitchen and Peet's Coffee & Tea to urge suppliers with hornless cows.
Beyond being humane, it's also a more efficient business practice, Byer said.
"Choosing to breed for polled cattle spares farmers time, labor and money," he said. "It's something that benefits the farmers."