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According to a popular TV ad, happy cows make better cheese. It’s not just a sales pitch. Modern dairy operations should be designed with this premise in mind to improve cow health and comfort, optimize milk production and reduce environmental risks.

To promote cow well-being, facilities are well-ventilated with climate control to prevent heat stress. Elsie is always provided with a cozy rest area and high-quality feed and water, so she can eat, drink, or relax as she chooses.

Stalls should be a comfortable size, with skid-resistant flooring to keep footing secure and reduce injuries. Milking stress is reduced by moving cows in groups at their own speed and by limiting holding times to no more than an hour.

If it sounds like these bovine beauties get better benefits at work than you do, that’s because a good milk producer is the crème de la crème.

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