happy dairy cows…
…in Norway…
happy, healthy, cows…
Having healthy cows that enjoy life while they're here, is the main reason for free-ranging around the year. Our cows are definitely physically stronger than most of their kin in our area, and they are strong-willed too – in case someone wants to test their character.
Well-treated cows trust humans they know, and are more curious than dangerous towards others as long as they aren't being pushed or scared. Cattle reacts quickly and on instincts, and not all humans are aware of these simple facts or take them into account when in contact with these heavy, 400 to 600kg (900 to 1300lbs), animals.
A drowsy-looking cow can fool anyone when she reacts on something humans may not be aware of – which can lead to funny, and even dangerous, episodes at times.
Norwegian cows have regulated summer-vacation…
Humans everywhere can think about the Norwegian cows with envy while they slave in their workplaces. Not even Norwegian workers with all their hard-won rights, can match the rights all cows have in this country. Some of those rights are laughable from a cow's point of view, but some rights and privileges are definitely good for cows – wherever they are.
It's regulated by law that Norwegian cows should spend at least 8 weeks of the summer outdoors, and most Norwegian farmers keep them on pastures much longer than that – 3 - 4 months at least. That's good, but keeping these animals indoors on a flat concrete floor the rest of the year doesn't do any good for their health, no matter how well prepared the indoor-environment is.
permission necessary.
It may sound strange, but we had to get permission by the relevant authorities before we could let our cows out all 52 weeks of the year. Not hard to get such a permission, but I don't think all that many Norwegian farmers have asked.
The health-benefits are clear, but, of course, the whole farm-machinery and area must be suited for or adjusted to this way of farming, for it to work. It is essential to optimize indoor conditions for the short periods the cows are in for milking and whatever other reason we may have for keeping them in, and making sure the outdoor conditions are as good as they can be at all times.
minimal health problems.
Of course we experience health-problems in our small herd too at times – would be strange otherwise. Not often need for veterinarians though.
Most healt problems are related to lactation, which is normal on dairy-farms. We seem to have less than average of such problems too, which at least to some degree is a result of the good conditions in free, clean, air and the un-disputable health-benefits from plenty of exercise all year round on a far from flat farm. This farm is definitely well suited for all beings that regard physical activity as a good thing.
accidents do happen.
Living free means that one to some degree is living dangerously, and it isn't possible to protect any living being from accidents. We have had a few incidents on this farm, but only one fatal that was related to outdoor activities.
Cows fight each other for supremacy – happens in all herds, and the bigger and stronger the animals, the harder the fights can become. Our cows can get scratches, minor but bleeding wounds and even a broken horn, but so far we haven't seen evidence of any real damage to any individual from such fights.
maintaining health…
Whatever one has, it has to be maintained in order to last. So also with health. Veterinarians have pointed out that the average age is unusually high in our little herd compared to others, which may or may not be related to fewer health-problems and/or better health-maintenance on our farm.
Whatever it is: we want to maintain and further improve things, and make the most out of what we got. Hopefully that'll mean that even happier and healthier cows will roam our farm in the years to come, and we won't mind if it is the same cows.
sincerely
Hageland 15.oct.2007
last rev: 20.oct.2007
happy dairy cows…