Every day, dairy farmers go to great lengths to care for their cows. In this series from Dairy MAX, Jodi Jackson of Bentwood Dairy in Texas shares her story about caring for an older cow who was frequently pushed out of the feed trough. Can you relate?

I kind of had a soft spot for an older cow in our herd. Lexi had reached the grand old age of 15, much older than any other cow in the herd. In the prime of her youth, she had easily been the "boss" cow, always in the lead and usually the first one to the feedbunk, but age had taken its toll on her.

She had become pretty slow, and the other cows were always pushing her away from the feed. They weren't really being mean to her, but she just couldn't get a spot at the trough where somebody wouldn't shove her out of her place.

So when I went out to the pasture, I'd bring extra feed and call her over to the other side of the truck, out of the sight of the rest of the herd, and give her a little extra handout. I figured she had easily earned that treat due to her impressive longevity. I had to be very quiet and not make any "feeding" noise, so I didn't alert the other cows or they’d catch on to my little trick. 

It became a habit with Lexi and me. She would see me coming and head in the opposite direction of the feed trough, beside the truck and out of the sight of the other cows, where she could expect her extra feed without interruption. I also treated Lexi with an occasional scratch along her back and neck, and some extra fly spray if the flies were bothering her.

She had always been a gentle cow and appreciated the attention from humans. In fact, in her much younger days, my son could actually climb on her back and she would let him ride her. Lexi never moved – she would usually just stand there and munch on hay – so there was no fear of him getting bucked off.

Sadly, Lexi died this past winter, one month short of her 16th birthday. Anyone who has been around or owned cows can see how you can get attached to them. We work seven days a week to make sure these animals are properly cared for and all their essential needs are met. But when you come across one (or more, in some cases) that calls for a little extra attention, it prompts you to go above and beyond to make its life a little better.  

PHOTO: Photo courtesy of Dairy MAX.