respiratory question Jersey cow

[Mountain View]

We're thinking of buying a 3 year old jersey from a family farm a few hours from us. They have 20 cows but no barn and say she has chronic respiratory problems and they'd like her to have a home where there is a barn. They say that other than that she is a wonderful cow. We're new to cow owning and not sure what to ask to assure we're making a wise choice. What would you ask?

[topside1]

I'd first wonder why they have 20 cows and no shelter...Where in the world are they milking the cows? In the house?....Mostly kidding, but I'd be getting a clearer picture before I get in the truck and head their way....Something doesn't make sense.

[topside1]

I'd can only imagine that they have a milking parlor. You must be located in a warm climate....Always remember that most folks are generally selling their problems...What's the asking price? What State? Is she in milk? Breed? Of course she's a wonderful cow!! Topside

[topside1]

You know if you went to their farm you would probably buy her simply out of pity or because you drove so far....This sounds like one big decision, good or bad? If she doesn't have a mature udder on her, I'd ask why. She should of freshened around the two year mark...Topside

[topside1]

What gurantee do you have that her chronic respiratory problems will disappear at your place?....Sorry to be so negative, but I've so many horror stories from impulse owners.

[linn]

Chronic respiratory problems means bad lungs, most likely. Pass her by.

[Cotton Picker]

Originally Posted by Mountain View

We're new to cow owning and not sure what to ask to assure we're making a wise choice. What would you ask?

Originally Posted by topside1

Always remember that most folks are generally selling their problems...

Originally Posted by linn

Chronic respiratory problems means bad lungs, most likely. Pass her by.

Hi Mountain View......

You've had some good council already.... IMHO... A novice dairyman... Taking on a cow with heath problems is a disaster waiting to happen..... Has she been tested for tuberculosis?

Clinical Signs

Tuberculosis is usually a chronic debilitating disease in cattle, but it can occasionally be acute and rapidly progressive. Early infections are often asymptomatic. In countries with eradication programs, most infected cattle are identified early and symptomatic infections are uncommon. In the late stages, common symptoms include progressive emaciation, a low–grade fluctuating fever, weakness and inappetence. Animals with pulmonary involvement usually have a moist cough that is worse in the morning, during cold weather or exercise, and may have dyspnea or tachypnea.

http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factshe...berculosis.pdf

[copperhead46]

I have a cow with chronic respitory problems and you don't want one. They are never thrifty, always weak, and no cure. Plus, if she hasn't been vacinated, she could spread her disease to other cattle. A barn won't help her, mine sounds like a Harley when she tries to trot, it's pitifull. I can never sell her, because she's not sound, so I"m stuck with her. Unless you want her, I'd sell her cheap !!! ( sorry, I'm just teasing)
P.J.

[francismilker]

Had a heifer once that got a real good case of pnuemonia as a bottle calf and never fully recovered. Although I felt like a real hero for pumping her full of enough drugs and nursing her back to health, she should have not be brought back. The scarring in her lungs was so bad that she didn't utilize oxygen well and sounded like she was having an asthma attack just getting from the pond to the feed trough.
I learned my lesson then on when to make the call that this bottle calf isn't worth saving. The neighbors that called me their assistance with it said I could have it if I could get it healthy. Well, enough said. I did keep it's heart pumping, but it never had enough energy to go out and graze for food. It's body condition was very poor unless it stood in front of a trough and a waterer. I ended up selling her at the beef auction for slaughter when she was about a year old.

[wr]

In my opinion, sometimes a 'good deal' isn't actually a good deal. An unhealthy animal is going to cost you more in the long run than a healthy animal ever will and since it sounds like this is your first cow, you really don't have the experience to be coninually nursing her along. I think you would be far wiser to go buy yourself a nice healthy animal than someone's cull.

I'm sure you'd like to buy as cheaply as possible but if you loose her to her chronic respiratory problem, you're going to be out far more than you would if you coninue shopping for a truly good deal.

[Ronney]

Your probably not making a wise choice and probably best to pass it by. However, you can certainly ask WHY she has chronic respiratory problems and take your decision from there. Also, ask when she was last drenched. Lung worm will cause respiratory problems to the extent that a brisk 10ft walk will have her coughing and gasping for breath so it could well be lack of health management.

Cheers,
Ronnie