Volume of Milk Production vs. Leaving Calf On

[CountryGoalie]

All right.

Here's the thing.

I'm going off to a year-long apprenticeship (Sept.-Aug.) this year, but we may have convinced my father that we need a milk cow. Because... you know... things like that are good.

The problem being: they don't want to have to milk it for the year that I'll be five hours away from home.

The question is this... if we were able to procure one of the "less productive" cows from our local Mennonite dairy... what about just leaving the calf with it's momma and letting the calf have all the milk for the first year? It would be a Jersey, so I would think that she would not produce too much milk for one calf?

If so, what about purchasing a steer from them as well and using extra milk for him? Would a cow accept another calf nursing, or would they still have to milk and give it to him separately? If it would work, it would seem to be a nice way to get a "baby beef" steer and whatever she happens to produce. At least, I would think so.

Or, would it be possible to leave the calf on but to just milk her occasionally when they are in need of it, as you only need so much milk for two people who aren't planning on making cheese, etc. as I would once I return.

They are also thinking of raising a couple of steers for beef, which is why I think it might be a better idea to get a bred cow rather than to raise up a heifer and breed her once I return. Or... maybe that would be the better idea?

I'm sorry that this post was so disjointed... I'm just thinking out loud. Any input is appreciated!

[Sunraven]

What about buying a bred heifer? Then you wouldn't have to worry about calves or milking her for nine months. If you timed it right she could calve around the time you get back.

[sammyd]

If you can't milk it and they don't want to milk it, don't get one that's milking. Even if you slap a couple of calves on it, if it's a dairy animal it should be checked often. And back up plans made in case you lose a calf or even both. Cows and calves can be pretty hardy but I never had enough faith to let a modern dairy animal alone with a calf at her side for any length of time.
If you are going to be gone a year, get one that can be bred in 3 or 4 months and have your father get it bred then.

[Sunraven]

Yeah, dairy cows aren't real bright! Dumb as bricks is a better description.

[jerzeygurl]

jersey calves are about the least hardy at birth and do tend to need a lot of attention esp if calving in winter

[dosthouhavemilk]

Mature dairy cattle can be pretty intelligent. Smarter than a lot of other livestock I've run into.

Then again, we work with Jerseys who are considered some of the most intelligent of the Dairy breeds.....

Bull calves at birth are just looking for a way to die. Just the way of nature. It doesn't need too many males.

[francismilker]

"Bull calves at birth are just looking for a way to die. Just the way of nature. It doesn't need too many males."

Maybe that's why there so ornery when they get older. Their trying to get back at us for letting some of their brothers die!

[dosthouhavemilk]

The strong survive.
Then you have bulls that owners fight to pull through. Which we've done numerous times. If we get a calf to hit the ground alive and we find it, they very very rarely die on us.

Nah, we don't let calves die around here. It just seems taht if a calf is gonna die it's more times than not a male.
They've done studies and found the same is true in humans. By the time a group of humans hits 25, a majority of the losses are male.