Alcohol abuse among workers continues. Stealing is still a common practice for many Romanians. To counter theft on the job, CAM had to construct a six-foot fence around the orphanage and dairy complex. German shepherd guard dogs and watchmen are on duty around the clock. Feed and Cow Health Hay and corn silage to feed the cows are grown wherever land can be found.
All rations are mixed from local supplies except for imported vitamin and mineral packs.
The concentrate mix includes ground ear corn and bran with sunflower seed meal for protein. Cows are managed for longevity just as they would be back home in the U.S. Health and calving problems are minimal. Half of the milk goes to eight orphanages and about 5,000 poor Romanian people. In a calcium-deficient country, this milk is an important addition to their diets. As the self-help heifer project was taking shape and public meetings were being held to educate Romanian farmers, CAM leaders shared with them seven principles for dairy success.