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From grizzly fate to green pastures, meet The Jersey Boys

Many of the animals who arrive at Goodheart have known little kindness or compassion, and this was certainly true for our beloved Jersey Boys.

In November 2017, when our sanctuary had not long opened its doors, we were able to rescue six Jersey calves who had been born into the dairy industry. As males, they were unable to produce milk, and so, after being separated from their mothers at only a few hours’ old, their fate was to be shipped abroad and turned into veal.

A lucky escape​

Thankfully, for the boys, this grizzly fate was avoided, and they soon found themselves on the way to Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary instead.

Frightened, bewildered and no doubt missing mum, the calves arrived in very poor health and even had to be carried from the trailer into the house as they were too weak to walk. The vet was unsure whether they would pull through and the weakest, Duncan, spent the first two weeks living in the downstairs utility room of the sanctuary so that we could give him round the clock care. Each night, the Animal Care Team would get up to spoon feed him medication, and gradually, we began to see an improvement.

New beginnings​

Despite their sad start to life, the six boys grew stronger and stronger each day and eventually, were able to join the rest of our cattle herd out in the fields. 

At this point, their unique personalities were beginning to emerge: Jerry, the confident and playful one, who isn’t afraid to say hello to anyone he meets, while Woody on the other hand, hangs back and takes a little longer to work up his courage in new situations. The team delighted in watching them grow from sickly calves to thriving adults, now affectionately known as ‘The Jersey Boys’ to our staff and visitors. 

Take a look at the before and after photos below, showing just how much the boys have grown since they first arrived!

Duncan

Duncan before and after

Geof

Geof before and after

Jacob​

Jacob before and after

Jerry

Jerry before and after

PJ

PJ before and after

Woody

Woody before and after

Life at Goodheart​

With a bright future ahead of them, the Jersey Boys are now established members of the herd and well settled into sanctuary life!

Here at the Goodheart, we try to foster our cows’ natural curiosity wherever possible. The cattle live in social herds where they are able to communicate, socialise and learn from each other. They are also exposed to new environments and objects that stimulate their inquisitive nature. We introduce lots of ‘enrichment’ in the form of scratching posts, grooming sessions and even treat-filled toys to keep their brains busy!

During the spring and summer months, we regularly rotate the herds between different pastures so they have access to both fields and woodland and lots of new environments to explore.

Watch the videos below of our rescued cows enjoying a life of freedom and safety…

Featured video: cows enjoying their summer pastures​

Featured video: Winter enrichment for our cows​​

Featured video: cows return to their pastures after winter​​

The sad fate of male dairy calves

The dairy and veal industry​

Veal is meat, usually from male dairy calves. The veal and dairy industries are closely linked, as male dairy calves cannot produce milk and are usually unsuitable for beef production, meaning they often end up as by-products, sent abroad to veal farms.

Though not as commonly served in the UK, veal is still a popular dish in the US and Europe, with around six million calves reared for veal within the EU every year. The long journeys these animals face can be highly stressful, and this is even before they reach the often barbaric veal farms where their sad fate awaits them.

How you can help​

Adopt Rufus the Cow Today

Adopt a cow

If you would like to help us take care of the Jersey Boys and their friends here at the sanctuary, why not adopt one of our rescued cows? ​

Adoptions are a great way to support our animals and go towards food, vet bills, and enrichment items to keep them happy.

How to have an animal friendly easter

Leave animals off your plate

One of the best ways to make a big difference for animals is by going vegan!

When you choose a plant-based diet, you’re basically saying no to all the yucky stuff that happens in factory farms, like the cramped conditions and terrible treatment. By going vegan, you’re sending a message that you’re not cool with that, and you’re not supporting it. Plus, it’s a win for the environment too!

You can learn more at www.veganuary.com

Sponsor a goat today

Be an animal advocate​

 Use your voice to educate others about the importance of ethical treatment of farm animals. Here are some great ways to get started: 

Sign up to become an Animal Protector for Animal Equality UK at www.animalequality.org.uk/volunteer

Take a look at Compassion in World Farming’s latest campaigns at www.ciwf.org.uk/our-campaigns

 

Amazing facts about cows

Cows communicate with each other through various vocalisations, displaying a wide range of moos, grunts, and even individualised calls to bond with their calves or express distress.

Research suggests that cows are much more emotionally intelligent than many people may give them credit for. Tests have shown that dairy calves in particular are less anxious and able to problem-solve much faster when they have been kept in social housing (in pairs of two) rather than in solitary calf pens which is the current standard practice in the dairy industry.R

Cows have a unique digestive system called “foregut fermentation,” using a four-chambered stomach to break down tough plant fibres. This process allows them to extract nutrients efficiently from fibrous vegetation.

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