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The health and happiness of their cows is more than a sound business investment for the nation’s dairy farmers. It’s a way of life.

“For those of us who love animals, they are more than cows. They’re ladies,” said Virginia dairy farmer Dan Myers. “When we house them, when we feed them, when we care for them, we treat them like ladies.”

Dairy farmers across the country rely on the health and happiness of their dairy cows to stay in business. They make significant investments in housing, feeding and medical care.

“It’s critical to keep cows dry and healthy,” he said. “When you’re comfortable and healthy, you do a better job. Dairy cows are no different.”

Many farmers have freestall barns, meaning the cows are “free” to move about to eat, drink or rest whenever and wherever they like. These barns also provide shade and protection from the elements.

Inside these barns, farmers provide comfortable bedding for the cows in the form of sand, wood chips, recycled shredded rubber or mattresses. The bedding is replaced and refreshed several times a day so the cows always climb into freshly made beds. In the Southeast and other regions where it gets hot, farmers use a system of spray misters and large fans to keep the cows cool.

“Happy cows make happy dairy farmers,” Myers said.

Making cows happy, however, takes more than creature comforts. Dairy farmers rely on experts in nutrition for advice on feeding their cows. Dairy nutritionists recommend scientifically formulated and balanced diets that consist of hay, grains, protein sources and other vitamins and minerals. Farmers also recycle different ingredients — such as citrus pulp, brewers’ mash and whole cottonseed — that would otherwise end up in landfills.

“It’s a science in and of itself,” said Pete Moss, a dairy science professor at Auburn University in Alabama. “Dairy farmers rely on the right mix to keep their cows well fed, content and able to produce milk.”

Another important part of a cow’s diet is clean water. Cows can drink from 25 to 50 gallons of water a day.

“Dairy farmers keep close track of everything their cows eat and drink. It’s critical to a successful dairy,” Moss said.

Another important component is making sure dairy cows get proper medical care.

Cows are no different than people. They sometimes become ill and require medical care.

Farmers work with large-animal veterinarians who can diagnose and treat an illness with the proper medication. Any cows who receive medicine to aid in a speedy recovery are removed from the healthy herd and won’t rejoin their herdmates until their milk tests free of antibiotics.

During milking dairy farmers and their employees are constantly checking and monitoring their animals. Nutritious diets, comfortable living conditions and solid medical care are all part of taking good care of their animals. This includes regular veterinarian check-ups across the entire farm to keep an eye on the wellness of the herd. Vaccinations and prompt treatment of illnesses are among the many practices used by dairy farmers to ensure healthy herds.

Moss said many dairy farmers go through training to recognize health problems early.

“The goal is to keep dairy farmers in business by making sure their animals are healthy and get the proper medical treatment,” he said. “When we identify things early, we can prevent problems and keep milk moving to consumers.”

Back at Myers farm, the “ladies” are as healthy and content as they can be. They’re free to pick out their spots to sleep, to roam in the pasture, and they get the best veterinary care available.

“The ladies are happy, and so am I,” he said.

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