Utter size in an older Jersey

[Looking4ewes]

Greetings,

I'm kicking about the idea of getting a family cow and found a 8 yo Jersey for sale. Due to calf in July, the utter looks deflated and hangs below the hocks. How will it change come freshening? Will the utter hang too low for milking?

Many thanks,

Wendy

[willow_girl]

Are you planning to use a milking machine? If so, this could be an issue.

If you're hand-milking, teat length is a more important consideration.

[jerzeygurl]

It should look deflated at this point, but i would be leary of one with that much sag. Try to imagine that deflated balloon filled to capacity with not air but liquid, it aint gonna rise LOL its gonna sag more. What is her production level anyway?

[linn]

Is the cow milking now? If so, try her out to see if she lets down her milk, stands well and if there are any hard spots in her udder. Depending on the price of the cow, she may or may not be a bargain. A cow with an udder that hangs below the hocks may have trouble latter on with stepping on her teats when she gets up or with mastitis. Of course she may not have that trouble either, it is a chance you take with her. If she is dry, ask why she is still not milking. We usually don't dry off our cows until 8 weeks before calving. Is she bred to a dairy bull, if so,you have a 50/50 chance of getting a replacement heifer. Just some things to think about.

[matt_man]

Originally Posted by linn

Is she bred to a dairy bull, if so,you have a 50/50 chance of getting a replacement heifer. Just some things to think about.

I wouldn't want to keep a heifer from a cow with a poor udder.

After reading your other thread, I would personally go with the cross bred heifer. She is going to give you many years of milk and calves and should not have any preexisting health issues pertaining to her udder.

A cheap cow isn't necessarily a bargain when you consider the stress and expense of taking care of a sick animal.

Rachel