How To

How to Care for Cows

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(28 Ratings)

If you take good care of your cows, they will produce dairy products, meat and calves for years.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Cattle Feed
  • Cattle Wormer
  • Feed Buckets
  • Livestock Salt And Minerals
  • Milking Stools
  • Rubber Boots
  • Bales Of Straws
  • Fencing
  • Hay Feeders
  • Pitchforks
  • Shovels
  • Steel Rake
  • Water Source
  • Buckets
  • Shovels
  1. Step 1

    Provide shelter. Cows need shade in summer and a windbreak in winter. The type of shelter depends on the type of winter your area has and the breed of cow.

  2. Step 2

    Keep cows wormed. Change brands of wormer every other time to prevent them from becoming immune.

  3. Step 3

    Provide water at all times - either a pond, spring, creek or watering tank.

  4. Step 4

    Feed cows. Milking cows will need grain and hay for good production. Beef cows can manage on pasture with supplemental feedings of hay and grain in winter.

  5. Step 5

    Keep salt and minerals out for cattle at all times. Check with your local vet or agricultural agent about types of minerals needed for your area and time of year.

  6. Step 6

    Maintain a good fence or pen around cows.

  7. Step 7

    Clean barn stalls and lay fresh straw if you keep your cows in a barn.

  8. Step 8

    Milk dairy cows twice a day.

  9. Step 9

    Check cows for lice and parasites and medicate as needed. Check with vet for any questions you have.

Tips & Warnings
  • Get to know your county agriculture agents - they can help answer most of your questions or get you in touch with someone who can.
  • Remember that even if they are gentle, cows are still animals. Teach your children the correct way to handle cattle and where not to play.

Comments  

Jonathanw said

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on 7/9/2008 There is nothing in here about were milk comes from a cow.... Im guessing they steal it from the chickens.

june51949 said

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on 5/28/2008 new cow milking her how long untill the milk is good to drink first time for her

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Watch your sheep closely. Sometimes they will go off feed. Many times you can switch the feed and they will be fine, but they can also starve themselves. If it does happen, it is best to call a vet.

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