Pain is not the only cruelty (although I doubt whether the post-surgery the cow was subjected to could have been entirely pain free).

But being confined, being on display, being fed through a hole in your stomach so researchers can watch - that's cruel.

The ruminent research technician states "It's something quite unique," yet the article goes on to say that the procedure (ostomy) has been in use since the 1800's, and this technician alone has nine other "holey" cows in her care.

I wonder what she'd think of subjecting herself to the same procedure, so others could research her dining habits?