Jersey Bull calf ?

[iloveafarmer]

We have the opportunity to get free Jersey bull calves. 2 friends have told us not to bother, saying they don't taste good. I'm thinking, "It's beef, right?" We eat bear, elk, deer, etc (don't know what etc would be) so I don't think we'd notice much. I'm thinking about all the pasture we have and the hay and grain we grow, and the darn things are FREE for heaven's sake!!! Any educated opinions out there?

[RiverPines]

We're getting a 2 week old bull calf. He'll have his balls banded. We are banding just because we dont want a ornery bull in 6 months to deal with.

Then again, we eat buck goats that are intact and they taste fine.

I dont get the sex and taste thing. Most deer we eat are bucks and they are yummy too.

[iloveafarmer]

Our friends main objection was that Jerseys in general, regardless of the sex, taste bad... I just don't see how. Anyone?

[RiverPines]

Well if your friend eats beef from the grocery store that factory farmed, especially cheaper hamburger....they are getting some low quality, old milking, and or spent cattle of various kinds.

Any cattle taste better than that!

[horsehelper]

Grab those babies quick! We just butchered a 15 month old Jersey steer, and the meat is fantastic. Great flavor, and the most tender beef we've ever eaten. We also did one for our two daughters to split, and they are thrilled with it. The grandkids have never had anything but store bought beef, and they even love it. So don't hesitate. You'll be glad you did.

[Cat]

I've heard nothing but good things about the flavor of Jersey beef and since I've got three of them growing for the sole purpose of butchering they darn well better be tasty! lol Honestly, I've not talked to a single person who has actually eaten jersey beef that has said a negative thing about the flavor. The size of the cuts may not be what you're used to, but, I'll accept less for better flavor & home-grown goodness any day.

[cjb]

Hmmm... we've had two jersey bull calves and they both sold immediately to people who said that the beef is great.

[ozark_jewels]

Jersey is great beef.

[Madsaw]

This can say alot. Here in the southern part of wiscosn, jersey bull calves are bring a real good price at the sale barns for nice healthy calves. Some say up to 1.00 a pound. But, on the other hand they are selling holsteins bulls for $5.00. These are the smaller ones the newborns and such.
Jersey meat is claimed to be the best of the dairy breeds to eat. I myself prefer vension over beef anymore. But that could because of unlimited tags and everyone giving you deer meat.
Bob

[topside1]

Hauling one to the slaughterhouse next month, can't wait....yummy

[LittleRedHen]

I am raising one and thus I expect it to be great!!!!!!!