Quote:
Originally Posted by HillsideWayCSA
I still like the idea of a mini jersey though. When I can afford a bigger place I might be able to afford a cow.  |
When you do, consider a standard Jersey as apposed to a mini. Regular Jerseys are hardly any bigger than a mini, eat almost the same and need about the same amount of space. Don't buy from a herd that breeds for large Jerseys(most show Jerseys are bigger), and you should easily be able to find a standard Jersey that is quite small.
I am almost 5'10" and I can lean on and rest my elbows on the back of any of our standard Jerseys. So they are not that tall.
Mini Jerseys are harder to find and the real thing(not a crossbred) is *very* expensive. Then you have the trouble of breeding and selling the minis, as it is a bit more of a nitch market.
Standard Jerseys are relatively easy to find, much cheaper to buy, cheaper to breed and I can sell Jersey heifers all day long for $300-$400 at a couple weeks old. If your cow has a bull calf, the standard Jersey will give you more beef.
As far as milk production, many mini Jerseys give just as much as standard Jerseys. If you don't want 4-8 gallons of milk a day, then just look for a Jersey who gives less milk. At our dairy we sell cows that only give us 2-3 gallons a day, but they still give plenty for the average family cow.
Just a few thoughts.
