Have you heard the moos? Cow Appreciation Day is coming up on July 13th! We are udderly delighted to help raise awareness about and appreciation for these sweet, gentle creatures. A local Wichita, KS vet discusses our bovine buddies in this article.

Fun Facts

Did you know that cows form very close bonds with one another? Just like people, cow herds tend to divide themselves up into little cliques. Bessie can strongly like or dislike other cows, and has been known to hold grudges for years! Cows are also very curious and inquisitive, and many of them seem to like music.

Happy Cows

Speaking of happy cows, did you know that cows often wiggle their ears when they’re content? This is pretty cute to see! Of course, you’ll need to do something to make your cow happy first. Treats are a good option. Bessie also loves scratching wheels or cow wheels. These are kind of like the automated spinning brushes you see at car washes, only they’re made for cows, not cars. Making sure your cows are content will not only put a smile on your face, it can also help in other ways. Studies have shown that happy cows produce a higher volume and a higher quality of milk than regular-sized ones.

Mini Cows

Do you wish that you could keep cows, but aren’t able to due to a lack of space? You may want to consider mini cows. These pint-sized bovines are about a quarter to a half of the size of regular cows. They don’t eat as much, don’t need as much room, and produce the perfect amount of milk for a family. (They’re also udderly adorable.) Just do plenty of research before diving in, and be sure to take ‘stock’ of the situation.

Responsible Farming

One sea change we are hopefully seeing the beginning of is growing awareness of the cruelty of many factory farms. In fact, there is a rising wave of support for legislation that would ban factory farms in the UK. There are ways to eat beef and dairy without supporting factory farms. Look for local farms and dairies that appreciate and respect their livestock, and treat them well. You may be surprised at how many you can find!

Do you have questions or concerns about your cow’s health or care? Contact us, your local Wichita, KS veterinary clinic, today!