Cows on a Farm
Cows are commonly found on farms. Domesticated over the years, they are raised to provide milk, cheese, other dairy products and also for meat. There are over 920 breeds of cows that inhabit the Earth today, and different breeds are more commonly found on farms due to certain advantageous traits. In order produce milk, a cow must have offspring but for about 2 months before a calf is born the mother stops producing milk. After giving birth the cow’s milk production is at it’s highest, and although this production level slowly decreases, cows can give multiple times in their lifespan making them great sources for milk.
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The most versatile and popular cow breeds used for milking is the the Milking Shorthorn. In today’s society, protien is becoming more valued and fat is scrutinized, so the high protein to fat content in the milking shorthorns milk makes it a valuable product. In addition the Milking Shorthorn produces more milk than other breeds and is significantly less prone to diseases, such as milk fever. They also give birth easily and the calves are relatively simple to raise. All these traits make them perfect for being dairy cows on a farm, as they can produce a large profit while remaining healthy.
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Milking Shorthorns are one of the oldest recognized breeds in the world. Originally from England, these docile animals efficiently produce milk and meat and can pull a load as well. Shorthorns come in three colors: red, white, and roan (mixed red and white). At the Little Farm, the cows are milked after giving birth to their calves in the summer.
