Newborn calf gets sleepy in the sunshine when his face is massaged

This adorable little calf is just one day old. "Giselle" has just discovered a beautiful world of sunshine and green pastures on her home in Millbrook, Ontario. She lives on an ethically run farm where the cows enjoy freedom to roam over vast expanses of lush, green grass. The cows have ponds full of fresh water, forest on the edge of their meadow, and even an enormous bull to watch over them protectively. This farm gives the animals a life that is as close as possible to what nature intended.

This little calf had been nursing a few moments before and was full of milk from her mother. She lay down on the side of a hill in the sunshine. With a little relaxation time and a face massage, Giselle began to get sleepy and she drifted off for a nap while her mother grazed contentedly nearby.
Ordinarily, approaching a newborn calf would probably upset the mother cow and would not be a safe thing to do. In this case, the cows are very used to human kindness and the gentle and caring farmers have a very good relationship with all of them. With a respectful approach, the cows trust people enough to allow this with no concern.

Dave, a neighbour who loves animals, and who visits these cows often, has wandered out on the field to check out the new babies. He took a seat beside Giselle and filmed these precious moments as she starts to experience life on this beautiful farm.

Many farmers are faced with keeping costs down and the demand from consumers for the lowest price forces them to cut corners to make a profit. As a result, conditions on many farms are less than ideal. The welfare of the animals is sacrificed to some extent. On farms such as this one, the animals are treated more humanely. They spend their time outside and they have access to food and water all day long. Their calves are not taken away at birth, and ethical farming does not involve veal production. The animals are not overcrowded and stress and illness is kept to a minimum. These farms are not difficult to find, and although the food produced under these conditions costs a little more, it is well worth it for the benefit of the animals. Supporting farmers like these and boycotting factory farms is the best way to reduce cruelty.