Dairy farmers work with animal nutritionists to develop balanced and Feeding Balanced DietsĪll cows and calves have continuous access to clean waterĪnd food. Some cows have access to pasture, but this is typically determined by geography, land availability and weather conditions. Talk about a 5-star stay! To keep cows clean, manure is removed from the barn daily and placed in temporary storage, which can include a pit, tank or holding pond until it can be used for fertilizer. Soft bedding is used like sand, straw, mattresses or even waterbeds to keep cows comfortable, who spend 12-14 hours a day lounging and resting. Barns are commonly equipped with fans and misters to keep the cows cool in the summer and have curtains that can be lowered to block the wind and keep cows warm in the winter.
#Drink cart cow free#
Many of Ohio and West Virginia’s dairy cows live in freestall barns, a type of climate-controlled barn where cows are free to move about as they choose. When calves are around 3 months old, they will be moved into a group pen with other calves of similar age and stay with these pen-mates until they are about 2 years old and have their first calves. Individual housing also allows farmers to closely monitor each calf’s health and ensure he or she is receiving good nutrition. These pens have ample space for the calf to move about and protect them from other members of the herd and bad weather. Providing Safe Housingįor the first 2-3 months of their lives, most calves live in individual pens. Dairy cows and calves receive periodic checkups, vaccinations and prompt treatment of illness. Farmers work closely with veterinarians, animal nutritionists and other professionals to keep their animals healthy and comfortable. Dairy farmers’ commitment to ensuring high-quality milk begins with taking good care of their cows and treating them with respect. Maintaining Animal Well-beingĭairy farms - whether large or small - make animal care a top priority.
For dairy farmers, caring for their animals is an around-the-clock job! It means working seven days a week, 52 weeks a year to provide a nutritious diet, good medical care and healthy living conditions for their cows and calves.
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