Many barns are equipped with large rotating brushes, how important are these brushes to cows?

These brushes help increase a cow’s comfort and happiness—it is like a “cow massage!”  The researchers at UBC did a study to see how much effort (to move a weighted gate) the cows were willing to put in to get access to a brush. They determined that the brush is almost as important as food to the cows! They sure like their massages.

Does milk contain growth hormones or antibiotics?

Canadian dairy farmers do not use growth hormones such as BST or rBGH and ensure their milk is free of antibiotics. While the administration of growth hormones known as BST or rBGH to dairy cows is allowed in the US, it is illegal in Canada and therefore not permitted for use with any dairy cows. Every truckload of milk is tested before being unloaded at the processing plant. If antibiotics are found, the entire load is discarded and the farmer who contaminated the load is heavily penalized. 

Fun Milk Fact:

Chocolate Milk is a great sports recovery drink.  Compared to plain milk, water, or most sports drinks, it has double the carbohydrate and protein content, perfect for replenishing tired muscles. Its high water content replaces fluids lost as sweat, preventing dehydration.