Got milk? Meet nature’s producers of one the healthiest foods known to man.
Observe every aspect of a farm environment and learn about nutrition, veterinary management, cow comfort, milk production and general farm operations. Our Vitala cow “family,” like every family, is full of distinct personalities. There’s the quirky one, the mothering type, the silly one… so come pick out your favourite. We’ve named them all after schools in the area – maybe you’ll meet your school’s namesake!
Our cows produce over 12,000 gallons of DHA CLA Omega-3 enriched milk per month and they live in a 5-star environment, producing premium dairy products. But don’t just take our word for it, a bottle of Vitala Milk can be found inside the dairy case at Nature's Pickin's, right next door. Vicki, our animated host cow, will guide you through “a day in the life” at the Bakerview EcoDairy, through a short, fun and educational video.
Cow nutrition: udder goodness
Vitala cows are fed a special diet that’s not only good for their health, but also boosts the nutritional content of the milk they produce.
True to the saying, “goodness in, goodness out,” Vitala cows receive a diet of DHA Omega-3, flaxseed, forage, grain, vitamins and minerals which results in milk naturally enriched with DHA, an Omega-3 fatty acid that is good for brain, eyes, nerves and heart and CLA (healthy fat), which, in animal studies, have been found to prevent cancer.
Cow comfort: bringing the pasture inside
At the Bakerview EcoDairy, we aim to provide year-round comfort for our Vitala cows. Due to the seasonal climate in BC, cows spend the majority of their time inside. In fact, cows actually prefer to spend their time indoors - especially during the day. So by “bringing the pasture inside,” Vitala cows enjoy:
- sleeping on mattresses in individual comfort stalls (8 recycled tires per stall)
- walking on soft, rubber covered flooring
- feeding in unique, individual stalls that help them feel secure while eating
- a climate controlled natural ventilation system
- a rotating brush for self-grooming
- 18 hours of light per day that simulates springtime
Vitala cows are considered “free-run” because they eat, sleep, drink, get milked, self-groom and socialize whenever they want.
