What would you breed her with?

[TSYORK]

I have a chance to purchase a black baldie heifer that is around 475 pounds. Of couse, I know she is not ready to breed right now, but I am trying to get my ducks in a row when the time comes. Would you recommend breeding her to a beef cow or a milk cow? I have access to holsteins to raise for meat, any time I want them, so I am more inclined to AI to a dairy breed in hopes for a dairy cross heifer.

Hypothetically, if I did decide to breed with a dairy breed sire, which one would you recommend? I really like the looks of the Milking Devons, but I am unsure if a Black Baldie/Devon would give sufficient milk. My next choice is a Gurnsey. I feel pretty confident they would give a decent amount of milk. Of course, a Jersey is not out of the question either, lol!

TIA for your suggestions and replies.

[tyusclan]

I'd breed her to a Jersey. A heifer out of her and a Jersey will probably give more than enough milk for the average household. We have friends who have a Jersey dairy, and had a Jersey heifer accidently get bred to an Angus bull. She threw a heifer so they decided to give her a try. She gives enough milk that they've kept her in the herd for several years now.

If she throws a bull calf, you've still got a good beef calf.

[Up North]

Given that this will be her first calf, you want to use a breed that throws small framed calves. Guernsey, Brown Swiss,or Holstein have the potential to throw large framed calves which could lead to difficulty for a first calf heifer.
Jersey or Aryshire would be sensible choices.

[cur huntin' kid]

If you want to go with dairy go Jersey all the other dairy breeds are larger framed and it would most likely not end well. Your going the opposite way.A lot of dairy farmers cross virgin holstein heifers with angus and herefords for a smaller calf, for the first calf. But a jersey should be fine.