Jersey cow question

JoeKan · #1 05/14/09, 10:14 PM

Hello,
I've been thinking about getting a jersey cow for her milk and was wondering if anyone knows how good the milk tastes compared to store bought?
Also, how much land would I need to be able to feed her? Why are they so expensive?
Any other help would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Joe

Callieslamb · #2 05/15/09, 07:50 AM

If you are used to store-milk - the jersey milk is very creamy. Very creamy. And yellowish in color rather than white. There is no comparison between the taste of fresh milk and store-milk. It just isn't the same flavor. Store milk tastes cooked and canned. They are expensive because everyone wants one. They are smaller - thus they eat a bit less in theory. They are good at converting food to milk. They are generally a gentle cow. They milk for many years and are easy at calving time.

She is going to need hay - up to a bale a day in winter. That is good hay- with good leafy alfalfa in it for milk. If you don't have the land for your own hay - expect to pay out dearly. (currently a square bale of alfalfa hay here is $5). Other than that, how much land depends on what your pasture has to offer her to eat.

francismilker · #3 05/15/09, 08:09 AM

The raw milk taste is an aquired one if you're used to store bought milk. If you were raised on raw milk the store bought tastes like water.
I'd say for sure to make sure you stir the cream up well before drinking if you've never had it before. However, I've had both my entire life and would vote 10 to 1 for the raw milk. There's just no comparison.
As far as the cow's being expensive, now's the time to buy if you're going to. Dairy cows are at a terrible low right now.

adpond · #4 05/21/09, 10:44 AM

We have a newspaper down here in SE Kansas called good news. last week they had a yearling half jersey heifer in there for 400 bucks! Quite a step down from the 1800 I paid last year for my ready to calf shorthorn mama. Definitely the time to buy. Don't know how close you are to SE kansas, but here's a link to the paper if you want to add it to your reference list. Yes the milk is delicious, plus you can fatten calves for beef and make your own yogurt, butter, ice cream, and it's legal to sell here in kansas. There are a few rules though.
http://www.goodnewspress.com/