Cow/milk question from the not-knowing...

[donsgal]

My dh had a conversation with a fellow the other day pertaining to milk production. The other guy made the statement that it costs "a thousand dollars" to buy a first class milk cow these days, whereas my dh asked him how much milke a "first class" milk cow would give and he fellow says.... Oh three or four gallons a day.

Well, that seemed like an awful lot of milk. Even if you make cheese, butter, etc., and have a passel of kids, that is still A LOT of milk.

My dh asked me (like he thought I would know! LOL), if you can get decent milk from a cow that is not a "first class" cow (older, not a traditional milk breed, etc.). I told him I would ask here.

I know that some folks raise Dexters and Scottish Highlands which are considered multi purpose breeds. I'm assuming that they are decent for milk. But what about other breeds? Non-milking breeds? What about old cows? He seems to think that even if you get a gallon a day that would be plenty for us to use. What does an old milk cow cost anyway? I would think you should be able to buy something for around $400 - $500 dollars.

Can you experienced cattle types enlighten me a bit here? Enquiring minds want to know!

Thanks

donsgal

[matt_man]

Cows that are considered "First Class" milk cows are going to be much more than $1000 usually, and probably give more milk than 3 or 4 gallons a day at peak. At least that is what I have seen personally.

If you found a dairy breed (jersey/holstein), or dexter for that price, I would be really concerned about there being something wrong with it. If you are going to make an investment in such a large animal, even if you are only paying $500, you want to make sure you are getting something that isn't going to die on you in a few weeks/months. Cull cows are culled for a reason; poor health, hard to breed, mastitis issues, temperment, etc... If you look at any older cows, pay attention to their teeth. They need to be able to chew their food and their teeth wear out over time.

Prices at the dairy sale in Norwood, MO have bred cows and heifers selling at well over $1500 and up close to $2000. A few months ago it was common to see prices at $2250. There are for Holsteins and Jerseys. The prices aren't much different that I noticed.

All cows give milk. If you have one (no matter what breed) that you can train to stand there and let you milk her, go for it.

Rachel

[susieM]

If you have too much milk, you give it to the calf and fatten him up. Or do the same with the pig.

[Teacupliz]

I first class milk cow in out area are going for $2000 and up. You can make cheese soap, feed calf, pigs, chickens share with friends, neighbors, My lowest production give me 2 gallons a day and she has 2 quarters late in lactation- Liz

[DJ in WA]

I’m not a big expert, but I know a first class Holstein in a dairy would give over 12 gallons daily, and a Jersey dairy would expect over 8 gallons daily. Perhaps there are family milk cows that give less.

I sold a heifer to a guy who got burned out by a Holstein that gave 12 gallons daily – even with a large family he just couldn’t use the milk. Sure, you can buy a herd of hogs, etc, but many don’t want to bother with that.

My thinking is for just alittle milk, get a beef cow like a Hereford that are known to be gentle. Keep them milked regularly and their production will stay up beyond what the calf needs. And they will produce some nice beef.

To look for an old milk cow with poor milk production – to me that’s just a beef cow with poor beef producing ability. Old is just that – old. Spend $500 (if that’s possible) on an old cow and maybe get a year of production, or spend alittle more and get five to ten years of production.

After her calf gets it’s share, I take a gallon a day from a Jersey/Lowline angus cross. She gave me a heifer out of a small Hereford bull (so ¼ Jersey at only 43 inches tall). Lately I’ve been taking a half gallon from her at the same time as the gallon from her mom. After her second calf is born, I could probably get nearly a gallon a day from her even though small and mostly beef breed. I plan to have mom and daughter calve different times of year so stagger the dry periods and always get some milk. Can’t live with the store milk.

Yes, it’s some hassle for just a gallon or so a day, but I like feeding cows and milking and I really like the fresh milk and cream. You have to enjoy it.

[sewtlm]

FIL used to have a Simental he milked. He said that Simmy had 4% butterfat but gave 3-4 gallons of milk each day.
The thing about beef breeds is the feed conversion of how much they eat.

[ArmyDoc]

To me a "first class milking cow" would be a commercial milk cow, and they are going to produce 8-12 gallons a day at peak. It sounds to me like what you are really looking for is a family milking cow.

I'm not an expert, but from what I've read there are lots of options. If you will need several gallons, but not as much as a commercial cow, you could look at a local dairy for a cow that wasn't producing her quota. Also, you could look at dual purpose breeds like Redpol and you mentioned Dexters already. Also crosses between beef and dairy breeds are supposed to be good. Something you may not have thought of would be just using a gentle meat cow. There was a fellow who posted on CattleToday who was milking a red angus once a day. He was taking just a gallon each morning and leaving the rest for the calf. Said it was really good.

As for the quality of the milk, I aways thought it was related to what the cow was eating as much or more than the breed of cow.

You might also consider goats if your needs don't justify a cow.

Just some thoughts. I'm sure others with more experience will post shortly.

[JulieLou42]

My cow is 3/4 Guernsey Red Angus cross, and she's pretty big at about 1400#, so she can produce meat and sufficient milk for our small coterie of friends and our family.

She cost me $500 at ten months old. About as gentle as they come, never have problems with her "manners."

[DaleK]

An average commercial fresh cow here is going for about $1500 now. The average production for the province, for all dairy breeds, is about 7.5 gallons/day. The highest peak we've ever seen here was about 19 gallons/day.

[DJ in WA]

Originally Posted by sewtlm

FIL used to have a Simental he milked. He said that Simmy had 4% butterfat but gave 3-4 gallons of milk each day.
The thing about beef breeds is the feed conversion of how much they eat.

I'm wondering if that's 3-4 gallons daily AFTER the calf nursed or does it include what the calf got? Kind of have to compare apples to apples. Also have to consider how well someone is feeding when they talk production. Most dairies and some individuals give lots of grain for increased production. And also really good hay. I feed average hay, some grass, and hardly any grain. Also need to compare cow size. Some are over 1500 pounds, mine is closer to 800.


Dale, 19 gallons/day! That'd be quite a sight.

[mtnmenagerie]

if you're looking for a gallon a day... i recommend a first class dairy GOAT. you can find excellent quality stock for the price you mentioned. goats are a very managable, and personable.
we get a little under a gallon a day (freshened 5 months ago) from our LaMancha ~ all the healthy sweet milk we need.
just thought i would give you something to think about!

[sammyd]

1000 bucks for a first class milk cow?
I'll take all you can get me at that price.
But 3-4 gallons a day is not first class.
27-36 pounds a day is really poor.
60 pounds a day is roughly average around here last time I checked into it.
Buddy of mine just bought 20 average milk cows for 1550 each delivered.