Opinions and specific questin re: SCC

[nomad7inwi]

I posted recently about opinions of a cow being a nursemaid to some calves. We had decided to wait for a better deal. Well maybe we have found it.

She is a 5 year old registered Jersey. 2 live births, one miscarry that she was rebred right away and is now due end of May. Pregnancy is vet confirmed. Peak production is 50lbs a day, average is 30-40lbs a day. They are asking $350.

Here is the catch, she has been having somatic cell problems off & on, no mastitis but they sell there milk and the buyer won't take it. She does have 1/4 that is weak. It does give milk, but to a lesser quantity. They machine milk, we would hand milk, or have calves nursing directly.

Where can I learn more about scc? I did a google search and so much of the information is simply over my head or really relates to big farmers, not me. The information I was able to comprehend leads me to believe that as long as she does not have mastitis the milk would be fine for calves, and if we are very strict in hygiene while milking and are careful about chilling immediately etc, we should be able to drink the milk too. Although we would like some milk for ourselves too, that is secondary.

I would like your opinion on what you would do, or ask, or watch out for when we go look at her (tomorrow) and after we buy her if we do that. My thoughts are she would at least give us a few more calves and would pay for herself in a few years just with calves, if she can nurse them.

Thanks so much for any advice, it was very helpful last time.

[sammyd]

How high is the count? Calves don't seem to care what it is. And if you don't keep the milk for long people won't either.
I'd have a hard time passing up a reg jersey for 350. Shortbred too?!!! I'll take 2 ;-)

As long as she looks healthy, walks normally and there are no abnormal discharges from any of the various body openings.

[Up North]

I agree with Sammy. If cow has a live calf in May, you will recoup some or all of your $350 investment, depending if calf is bull or heifer. When the day comes you decide to retire her permanently, you should recover your $350 investment in salvage value alone.
Things to look for: What Sammy said. Cow should have clear,bright eyes and an inquisitive attitude. Inspect rear hocks and all four feet. Look for swollen rear hocks or tender, sore feet. If a mature cow is lame, do not buy her.

If she appears thin or you can see her ribs, I would not let that bother me, as it is par for the course for a mature Jersey dairy cow that is milking.

If you decide on her, request the sire code of bull she was bred to. That way if you decide to add value to the calf she births by registering it, you will have the required information. This last item, being, of course, optional.

[nomad7inwi]

Thanks so much. You confirmed my thoughts and gave me stuff to look for. I feel good about this choice.