Should jains stop drinking cow's milk as the milk is only meant to feed cows young ones?

From a Jain dharma perspective, the core principle is ahimsa (non-violence) toward all living beings. Because dairy farming can involve harm to cows and calves (e.g., separation of calf from the mother, repeated impregnation, and suffering in some farming systems), many Jains choose to reduce or avoid dairy to minimize violence.

Key points:

• There is no universal, rigid rule across all Jain traditions about drinking milk. Attitudes vary.
• Some followers, especially in everyday household practice, continue to consume dairy as part of a lacto-vegetarian diet, aiming to minimize harm by seeking humane practices and moderate use.
• Others—particularly many Jain ascetics and some households who take a stricter ahimsa stance—prefer to avoid milk and milk products altogether, and instead rely on plant-based milks (almond, soy, rice, oat, etc.) or other wholesome foods.
• The difference between Digambar and Śvetambar communities can show up in ritual and dietary emphasis, but the central aim remains non-violence and minimizing harm.

How you might apply this yourself:

• Reflect on the impact of dairy production in your region and the practices of farms you support.
• If you wish to reduce harm, consider transitioning to dairy-free alternatives or choosing dairy from sources that prioritize animal welfare and lower calf separation.
• Regardless of choice, cultivate mindfulness about the consequences of your food and strive for moderations aligned with non-violence.

If you’d like, I can share more about how different Jain texts describe ahimsa in daily eating and point to traditional viewpoints from Digambar and Śvetambar sources.