Daisy is a Jersey cow who was brought to the farm in an emaciated state by our former caretaker so that we could nurse her back to health. She is old but very healthy, and the most friendly of the cows.

There are two Holstein steers at MVFAS - Ben and Jerry - who are now three years old. They were destined for the slaughterhouse before their arrival in August 2002.

Two Holstein heifers - April (8 years old) and June (9 years old) were born at the sanctuary.  Their mother came to the sanctuary in 1991 and died 13 years later. 

In October 2003, three more 6-year old Holstein steers (with horns), each weighing a ton, came to live at MVFAS.  Ferdinand, Clifford and Louis came from Middlebury, Vermont via an owner surrender.

• The Holstein breed originated in Holland.
• Holsteins are larger than most of the other breeds of dairy cattle.
• Holstein milk is lower in fat than is milk from any of the other dairy breeds.
• The primary color patter for the Holstein is black and white, but there is also a red and white variety, called "Red Holstein".
• Feed required for maintenance of a healthy cow or steer is approximately 2 percent of the animal's body weight in dry matter/hay per day.
• The average life span for cattle is 18 to 22 years, though they can live in excess of 25 years. 

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