Heifer grower?

[Still Learning]

I've been looking at the usjersey.com website and noticed several TN jersey farms are listed as "heifer growers" specifically.

Can someone explain to me what exactly this means? Do they grow for themselves? Or to sell to other people? Just wondering.

Thanks!
~Ashley

[topside1]

To answer your qestion, they are farms that specifically raise heifers for the dairy industry world-wide. I have a fellow locally who is involved. These animals primarilly go to California and South America.
Ashley, are you looking to buy a dairy heifer? I am bucket raising two right now, they should be weaned in about two more weeks. One calf is a Jersey X, the other is a Holstein X. Not in a rush to sell just figured I'd mention that I have two....TJ

[Still Learning]

Hi John!

Thanks for the explanation. I figured it was something like that -- but really wasn't for sure.

I'm looking around right now but we won't be ready to get anything just yet. We've still got some fencing to put up and a shelter/barn to build. Then I'll be ready. I'm just excited I guess and trying to read up as much as I can.

~Ashley

[topside1]

Ashley don't blame ya a bit....I always do lots of homework prior to commitment...Keep me in mind for goats and calves. Goats will begin kidding on Jan 12.

[JeffNY]

Just be aware of the Jersey Association. I would deal with the individual and dont let them sell you any that have had sucked on teats. I went to a Jersey auction, and saw quite a few go through (10-15 or so) that had sucked on teats. They were trying to pass it off as "heat" and "good feed". Which is BS. I asked a vet about that claim, and he said "not likely", more or less an absurd claim.

I am not saying anything against Jerseys, just the association. So check the teats, and take note of any that hang lower on one side. Pick the ones that are even, and tucked up nice and tight, because if you get one that has had sucked on teats. You could end up with one that is a 3 titter, or even 2 if 2 were sucked on. Why? Infection as a heifer.


Jeff

[SRobles]

Whats sucked on teats?

[JeffNY]

It is when another heifer sucks on another heifers teats, they can bring them into milk, which later can turn into mastitis, which can and usually does become infected. Then the infected quarter goes untreated, because it goes unnoticed. So you end up with a blind quarter.


Jeff

[Still Learning]

Originally Posted by JeffNY

It is when another heifer sucks on another heifers teats, they can bring them into milk, which later can turn into mastitis, which can and usually does become infected. Then the infected quarter goes untreated, because it goes unnoticed. So you end up with a blind quarter.


Jeff

Thanks Jeff for pointing that out. I had actually never heard of that so I appreciate the information. Wow, I've got *tons* of learning to do!

~Ashley