(920) 766.5335 News Media Careers Contact Us Milk Source Sustainability starts here. About Us Sustainability MilkSource Genetics Tours A Cow's Life Exceptional care means happier cows Our dedicated farm families take cow care to a higher level Holstein Cows Holsteins are typically black & white, with each cow having a unique pattern! Some Holstein cows are “red & white” – red is a recessive gene and occasionally produces a red/white cow. The cows look golden brown, but they’re considered “red.” Holsteins are known for the quantity of their milk. Other breeds, such as Jerseys, are known for high butter fat content in their milk, and lower production. Jersey Cows A Jersey’s coat color can range from light brown to dark brown depending on her genetics. They are quite a bit smaller in size than a Holstein cow therefore do not produce as much milk, but they are known for producing the highest butterfat content in their milk. Herd Mentality Cows are curious and friendly animals. They like to be in groups, not alone, and that’s why you see them in a herd. Like many animals, cows establish a pecking order – quickly. With change, the pecking order realigns, which can be stressful for the cows. General Info Cows spend about six hours eating and eight hours chewing cud per-day. They will spend around four hours a day sleeping, taking very short naps. The girls sleep laying down while chewing cud. Cows have almost total 360-degree panoramic vision, and they can see color! Cows have a great nose and can smell up to six miles away. Cows need to have recently given birth in order to produce milk. Cows are bred at approximately 15 months and the gestation period is nine months, the same as a human. Cows like cool temperatures – 50°-60° F – milk production goes down in high temperatures. Feeding Cows What a cow eats is very important for her digestion, milk production and milk quality. Milk Source has formulated a special blend of feed to meet all the needs associated with the health and well being of our cows, as well as for maximum milk production. Their feed consists of a mixture of: Corn silage Sweet corn silage Haylage Corn Soy Hulls Whey Permeate Canola Meal Protein Mix Wet cake Cows are “ruminants” – meaning they have four digestive areas in the stomach – not four stomachs! The cow digests plant-based food by initially softening it within her first, known as the rumen, then regurgitating the semi-digested mass, now known as cud, and chewing it again. The process of re-chewing the cud to further break down plant matter and stimulate digestion is called “ruminating,” There are a few sayings that have been derived from cows such as: “Digest an idea” “Chew the cud” Ruminate = ponder or think about! 85 percent of Wisconsin milk goes to cheese SITE NAVIGATION Homepage About Milk Source Sustainability MilkSource Genetics News Careers Contact Accessibility Statement NATIONAL DAIRY FARM PROGRAM This farm participates in the National Dairy FARM Program and is committed to providing the highest level of animal care and quality assurance. ABOUT MILKSOURCE Milk Source was co-founded in 1999 by Jim Ostrom, John Vosters and Todd Willer — each from multi-generational Wisconsin farm families — and traces its roots back to 1965 when a small 30-cow dairy farm was started in Freedom by John’s parents. Read more ... N3569 Vanden Bosch Road Kaukauna, WI 54130 Office: (920) 766-5335 Fax: (920) 766-3579 © Copyright Milk Source. All rights reserved | N3569 Vanden Bosch Road, Kaukauna, WI 54130 | Office: (920) 766.5335 | Fax: (920) 766.3579