Barbarity, or just humanity?
Blood runs freely from the nubs of cattle's freshly cut horns as they are loaded for market. Why? So they do not injure themselves or bruise the meat of others.
For the musterers, this is their livelihood hood and they were hesitant of photos being taken. They know the repercussions and attitudes of people unused to this industry.
As I worked with them, during the processing of cattle, they acted with the utmost professionalism for the animals. Only performing what was "necessary", and not once goading or provoking the cattle. It was rumoured on another ranch, scientists were trying to breed hornless cattle, thus to eliminate this stressful act.
For now, as long as we expect fresh meat in the supermarket for a growing population and continue to lead a predominately meat based diet, intensive farming will continue.
The Northern Territory, Australia 2015.