Irish dairy farming and the challenge of nitrogen runoff
Ireland’s rainfall powers its grass-based dairy system but raises nitrogen runoff risks. How are farmers protecting both productivity and water quality?
Explore
Cows are more than just food
Without cows, we wouldn’t have cheeseburgers … or violin strings
Explore
Cows are more than just food
Without cows, we wouldn’t have cheeseburgers … or violin strings
In a world without cows, we would not have beef or milk. Or leather. Or many other items you may not think of right away when you think about cows.
Cattle are valuable not only for their primary food products but also for numerous byproducts that are derived from different parts of the animal. Cattle byproducts are used to make granola bars, mayonnaise, gelatin, coffee creamer, margarine, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, broth and chewing gum, to name a few.
But cows are much more than just food. Most people probably use at least one byproduct every day.
More than 100 drugs are created from cattle byproducts, including those used to treat:
- Insulin
- High cholesterol
- Hypoglycemia
- Blood disorders
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Thyroid disorders
- Anemia
- Digestive issues
- Asthma
Bones, hooves and horns are used to make:
- Buttons
- Violin strings
- Piano keys
- Sandpaper
- Film
- Fertilizer
- Adhesives
- Photographic film
- Plastics
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Dice
- Wallpaper
- Toothbrushes
- Combs
- China
Inedible fats are used in the production of:
- Cosmetics
- Tanning products
- Soaps
- Lipsticks
- Face and hand creams
- Industrial oils
- Lubricants
- Laundry treatments
- Antifreeze
- Cement
- Crayons
- Deodorant
- Linoleum
- Rubber
- Plastics
- Paint
- Perfume
- Tires
- Toothpaste
- Insulation
Cattle hide (hair and skin) is used to make:
- Paint brushes
- Footballs, baseballs, baseball mitts, soccer balls and volleyballs
- Boots
- Adhesives
- Felt
- Dry wall
- Leather products such as sneakers, wallets, clothing and belts
- Gummy bears and other candies
- Insulation
- Medicines
- Air filters
Internal organs and blood are used to create:
- Dyes and inks
- Fishing line
- Medical sutures
- Sausage casings
- Instrument strings
World Without Cows is a Planet of Plenty® production. Working Together for a Planet of Plenty was launched in 2019 by Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, a global animal nutrition company. Planet of Plenty is a call for collaboration across industries and geographies to create and embrace science-based solutions that help agriculture provide nutrition for all, revitalize rural communities and replenish the planet’s natural resources.
Explore more
One farm, 100+ cows and a commitment to telling Ireland’s dairy story
How third-generation Irish dairy farmer Niall Moore is farming for the next generation
Built on grass: How Ireland’s pasture-based dairy system became a global model
From bog butter to global export powerhouse
Cattle, greenhouse gases and the case for better methane metrics
Why the global warming potential of methane emissions from cattle production needs a closer look
Can COP30 change the future of cows and climate in Brazil?
At COP30, the world’s eyes are on Brazil, and the cattle ranchers leading a global transformation.
Can Brazil save the Amazon and produce enough beef to feed the world?
Restoring 40 million hectares of pasture could feed billions and ease pressure on the Amazon. Is the world paying attention?
help us start the conversation.
As climate change intensifies and the world’s population continues to grow, the pressure on our global food production system mounts. You can play an active role in shaping a more sustainable planet for future generations. Fill out the form below to learn more about how you can partner with us.