Meet the Cows... Or Should We Say, Steers?

That's right, we won't be getting any milk from Jeff or Doug anytime soon. Steers are male cattle (cows) that have been neutered. Jeffrey and Douglas are both dairy breeds, which are selectively bred to channel their energy into producing milk rather than meat. Since male cattle can't produce milk and don't grow as quickly or build muscle like beef cattle, male dairy calves are often considered a by-product of the dairy industry. In the past, they were raised for veal, but as public awareness of animal welfare issues grew and demand for veal diminished, many of these calves are now either euthanized on the farm or sold at auction.

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  • Meet Jeffrey

    Meet Jeffrey, or Jeff as we all call him.
    Jeff joined our menagerie as a bottle calf in June 2022. We were seeking a larger weed-eater to add to our little herd and were aware of the unfortunate plight of dairy steers. Jeffrey is endlessly affectionate, though he's unaware of his size and can be quite rambunctious. He loves scratches and biscuits.

    Fun Fact: Jeffrey is a Holstein, the largest breed of dairy cattle. Holsteins are the most common cows on commercial dairy farms, making up 80% of all dairy cows in the U.S.

  • Meet Douglas

    Meet Douglas, or Doug as we all call him.
    Doug joined us in December 2023 when it became clear that Jeff wanted a buddy of his own species. We were eager to help another displaced dairy steer and were happy to welcome Doug to the herd. You might notice that Doug has a wonky rib, the result of an old injury that was treated by a veterinarian but never healed quite right. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to cause him any harm, and Doug doesn't even notice. Doug is a sweet and sensitive little guy who gets along with everyone.

    Fun Fact: Douglas is a Jersey, the smallest breed of dairy cattle. Their milk is richer in fat and is most commonly used for making butter and ice cream.
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