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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. Another heifer, a Jersey named Daisy,
arrived malnourished in August 1996.
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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