Fun Fact: Cows and Pumpkins
Cows and pumpkins are the perfect pairing because dairy cows are the ultimate “recyclers!” Because cows have four stomachs, it gives them the ability to digest foods — like leftover pumpkins — that people cannot, ensuring that an entire patch of pumpkins won’t go to waste at the end of the holiday season. In turn, the pumpkins provide many benefits to the cows and dairy farmers. Pumpkins are included in the cows’ feed, which also consists of corn silage, haylage and various grains. The pumpkins serve as a good supplemental protein and energy source for the cows. Because of those nutritional benefits, pumpkins also help to increase the cows’ milk production.